The New Mexico Thunderbirds (11-9) came back from down 16 points in the first quarter to beat the Texas Legends (9-9) by a score of 95-94 on Monday evening at the NBA Development League Showcase. The Legends jumped out to the early lead in the first quarter, outscoring the T-Birds 20-4 in the first eight minutes of the game. Texas would hold a 30-16 lead after one quarter of play. With 3:39 remaining in the second quarter, the Legends still held a 14 point lead. The Thunderbirds would close the quarter on a 15-6 run to cut the deficit to 48-43 at the half. Marcus Hubbard scored 10 points in the second quarter to help the T-Birds cut into the lead. The Thunderbirds run continued into the third quarter and with 6:29 left in the quarter Stephen McDowell hit a layup that gave the T-Birds their first lead of the game. The bucket came in the middle of a 12-0 Thunderbirds run that would give them a 63-56 lead. Justin Dentmon hit a three-pointer for Texas with 10 seconds left in the quarter to cut the T-Birds lead to 73-70 heading into the final quarter. In the fourth quarter, with the Thunderbirds down two, Dar Tucker hit a three-pointer with 2:51 remaining to give the Thunderbirds the lead, 89-88. Texas answered with two free throws by Dentmon to take back a one point lead. Then on the next possession McDowell converted a three point play that gave the T-Birds the lead for good. Neither team scored in the final 1:42 of the game, as the T-Birds held on for the win. Tucker led the way for the Thunderbirds with 28 points including five three-pointers and 10 rebounds. McDowell also chipped in with 25 points and hit four three-pointers. The Thunderbirds will play from South Padre Island at the D-League Showcase again tomorrow against the Maine Red Claws at 3:30 p.m.. New Mexico will return home to the Santa Ana Star Center for two games against the Tulsa 66ers on Jan. 14 and Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Thunderbirds' season tickets are currently on sale, with full and partial season packages available. Single game tickets are also now available online at www.nmtbirds.com or by calling 505-265-3865. The Thunderbirds also offer family four packs: 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 nachos, and 4 drinks for $44.
