In D-League action this afternoon before some 2000 people (about half of whom were disguised as empty chairs), Albuquerque erased a 14 point 2nd half deficit enroute to a 102-92 defeat of the Austin Toros.

Former Suns PG Yuta Tabuse (above, 14 points) ran the Thunderbirds offense skillfully for much of the 4th quarter, during which time Toros coach Dennis Johnson seemed to be drifting into a near slumber. DJ was upright, but a strong breeze would’ve knocked him over.

Marcus Fizer scored 15 for Austin prior to fouling out…and also before turning the ball over and missing a few crucial shots down the stretch.

The Toros’ “Military Appreciation Day” was marked by a dozen or so area youth taking the US Army oath of enlistment during halftime ceremonies. Friends, family and others in attendence applauded wildly as these selfless individuals commemorated their new status as cannon fodder.