Albuquerque, N.M., March 20, 2008 – Alando Tucker scored 38 points in his second game back with the Albuquerque Thunderbirds helping them to their fifth straight win. The Thunderbirds cruised past the Tulsa 66ers, 119-104 Thursday night.

Aside from Tucker, Albuquerque had four other players score in double figures, three of whom also registered double-doubles. Will Conroy had 21 points and 11 assists; Julius Hodge had 28 points and 11 assists; Kevin Pittsnogle pitched in 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Tulsa was led by Mike Hall who scored 28 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Dwight Jones added 21 points for Tulsa on 8 of 10 shooting.

The Thunderbirds let off the gas somewhat in the fourth quarter, only scoring 21 in the final period but still coasting to the victory. Jason Fontenet scored 11 of Tulsa’s 33 points in the quarter.

Tucker scored 15 points in the third quarter, helping Albuquerque build an insurmountable lead at 98-71. Albuquerque outscored Tulsa 36-21 in the decisive period.

Tucker’s 21 first half points helped Albuquerque took a 62-50 Halftime lead. Albuquerque went on a 22-5 run mid way through the first quarter lifting them to a 40-25 lead after one quarter.

Both teams get back to action tomorrow night, Friday, March 21st at Tingley Coliseum. Game time is set for 7:00 pm. Friday’s game will be “Take Over Tingley Night,” $2 dollar tickets will be available for fans at the door to celebrate the Thunderbirds final home game before embarking on a seven game road trip.

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