BOISE, IDAHO, Jan. 7, 2010 – Carlos Powell scored seven points in the final 1:37 to lead the Albuquerque Thunderbirds to a 101-97 win over the Tulsa 66ers on Thursday afternoon. He led six Thunderbirds players in double figures with 25 points.

Albuquerque led 48-46 at the half, paced by Powell’s 17 first half points. The Thunderbirds used a 15-4 run late in the third quarter to take a 71-65 lead, and led 73-71 going into the fourth quarter.

With the game knotted at 90 apiece, Powell took over for Albuquerque. He scored on three consecutive possessions to put the team up 97-92, and the team held on for the four point win.

Chad Toppert added 18 points for Albuquerque. Antoine Agudio (16), Kurt Looby (15), Kevin Pittsnogle (12) and Shane Edwards (10) also scored in double figures for the Thunderbirds.

D.J. White led Tulsa with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Mustafa Shakur added 17 points in the loss.

Albuquerque shot 50.0% from the field for the game, including 47.4% from long distance. Tulsa shot 48.8% from the field.

The team extends its current winning streak to three games, and finishes the 2010 NBA Development League Showcase with a record of 2-0.

The Thunderbirds will return to Tingley Coliseum on Jan. 9 when they take on the Reno Bighorns. The game begins at 7:00 pm, and the first 500 fans through the door will receive a Tony Danridge autograph card courtesy of the Albuquerque Journal.

You can bring your group out to a Thunderbirds game for as low as $4 per ticket. Call 505.265.3865 or visit www.abqtbirds.com for more information.