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Albuquerque 97, Tulsa 93

Thunderbirds Hang On, Beat 66ers


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Dec. 16 -- The Albuquerque Thunderbirds were able to end their short two-game losing streak, as they defeated the Tulsa 66ers 97-93 at Tingley Coliseum on Friday night, giving the Thunderbirds a 6-3 record on the season.

The Thunderbirds jumped out to a 29-22 lead after one quarter. The 66ers were able to make a charge and grab the lead 40-39 with 4:35 left in the second quarter, but that was the last time they would lead as the Thunderbirds went into the locker room at half with a 56-50 advantage.

The Thunderbirds came out strong in the third, forming a comfortable 16-point lead by the beginning of the fourth quarter. The 66ers would make a run midway through the fourth but it would not be enough, sending the crowd home happy with a four-point win.

“It was a very well played game,” said Albuquerque head coach Michael Cooper. “Our bench played well and that is the key to us doing good things.”

Bryant Mathews led all scorers with 23 points while pulling down four rebounds. Other Thunderbirds to score in double figures were Chuck Hayes (18 points), Joe Shipp (17 points), and TJ Cummings (14 points).

The 66ers were led by John Lucas, who scored 20 points, and Ersan IIyasova, who tallied 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.

Other highlights of the evening included a guest appearance by Houston Rockets mascot Clutch as well as a wedding proposal that ended with a “Yes.”

The Thunderbirds play the second of a four-game homestand Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. CT against the same Tulsa squad.