Thunderbirds Take Down Toros in Overtime Thriller, 137-134
Published on March 12, 2008 under NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Albuquerque, N.M., March 11, 2008 - The Albuquerque Thunderbirds overcame a ten point deficit late in regulation then outlasted the Austin Toros in overtime for a 137-134 victory. DerMarr Johnson led all scorers in a losing effort for Austin with 43 points.
Julius Hodge led Albuquerque with a near triple-double; a team high 34 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists. Kevin Pittsnogle added a double-double for Albuquerque with 28 points and 10 rebounds, Jamaal Thomas contributed 16 points for the Thunderbirds.
The victory was Albuquerque's first overtime game of the season and marked the arrival of the newest Thunderbird, point guard Will Conroy who landed a double-double with 25 points and 11 assists.
"That game was exactly the way I drew it up," Albuquerque Head Coach Jeff Ruland said. "Having Conroy here was just what I expected; I saw some really good stuff out of him tonight."
Aside from Johnson's game high 43 the Toros were hard pressed to find a scorer outside of Marcus Williams double-double, 30 points and 11 rebounds. Justin Bowen added 19 points for the Toros off the bench.
Pittsnogle had 9 of Albuquerque's 18 points in the overtime including a crowd raising dunk with just 27 seconds left putting the Thunderbirds in front for good 133-132.
Just like on Saturday night Albuquerque rallied from a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter the difference Tuesday was Daryl Dorsey's three-pointer with 4.5 seconds left in regulation that tied the game at 119-119.
The Thunderbirds were led by Conroy's 13 points in the fourth quarter, none bigger than the three-pointer he hit with 1:48 left in regulation, giving Albuquerque their first since the second quarter, 119-119.
Johnson and Williams hit back to back three-pointers for the Toros late in the third quarter, vaulting Austin into the lead. The Toros ended the quarter on a 12-4 run; Austin led 89-83 after three quarters.
Conroy found his rhythm early with the Thunderbirds contributing 12 first half points on a perfect 5 of 5 shooting. Johnson led the Toros and all scorers in the first half with 17 points; Albuquerque led a tight contest at halftime 57 - 55. The Thunderbirds ended the first quarter on 13 - 3 run helping them to a 29 - 21 lead after one quarter.
Both teams get back to action against one another Thursday, March 13th at Tingley Coliseum; game time is set for 7:00 pm. Thursday's game will be the final qualifying night for the McDonalds Amateur NBA Slam Dunk Competition. The Semifinals will follow Friday night's game and the finals will take place following the Thunderbirds game on Sunday, March 16th; the winner will take home a $1,000 prize.
Thunderbirds 2007-08 single game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at abqtbirds.com, any Ticketmaster location or at the Thunderbirds front office at 111 Lomas Blvd. NE, Suite 240, Albuquerque, NM 87102. For premium or group seating call the Thunderbirds office at (505) 265-DUNK.
The Thunderbirds stay focused on the community by participating in community events such as the Read to Achieve Program as well as D-League Cares. In the past two seasons the Thunderbirds have worked over 3,000 hours in the community, staying dedicated to Albuquerque and New Mexico.
The NBA Development League is the NBA's official minor league, and the first-ever basketball league with direct affiliations to NBA teams. Now in its seventh season the D-League's goals are to provide affordable, NBA-caliber entertainment to fans of its 14 teams, as well as continue to develop players, coaches, referees and front-office personnel for the NBA. As the single source for in-season player "call-ups" to the NBA, fans of the D-League enjoy the highest caliber of basketball played outside the NBA. In fact, former D-League players represented 10 percent of NBA players on 2007-08 opening day rosters, numbering 44 in total. In addition, the D-League has produced 25 percent of current NBA referees and 16 current NBA coaches, including head coach Sam Vincent with the Charlotte Bobcats. The D-League is an innovative and rapidly growing sports property that also serves as an experimental testing ground for new initiatives like the live web-streaming of all games available free to fans at d-league.com. The League also provides continuing education and professional development resources for its players, and is committed to serving its local communities through D-LEAGUE CARES and grassroots efforts.
Individually, the Thunderbirds have had two player call-ups, two front office call-ups, two training staff call-ups and three call-ups from the Storm Chasers Dance and Cheer squad.
Designed to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the D-League offers NBA-quality basketball and fun, family entertainment at affordable prices. For additional information on the NBA Development League, visit NBADLEAGUE.com
NBA G League Stories from March 12, 2008
- The Stampede Top the D-League Power Rankings - G League
- Bobby Jones Earns Gatorade Call-Up to The Miami Heat - Sioux Falls Skyforce
- Thunderbirds and McDonald's Recognize 2008 McDonalds All-Americans - New Mexico Thunderbirds
- Arsenal Acquire Mike Efevberha and Mario Boggan - Anaheim Arsenal
- NBA D-League Daily Developments - G League
- Thunderbirds Take Down Toros in Overtime Thriller, 137-134 - New Mexico Thunderbirds
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
