ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Jan. 20 – Michael Cooper and Dennis Johnson faced off again. Only this time it wasn't part of the storied Lakers-Celtics rivalry.

The Albuquerque Thunderbirds, coached by Cooper, handled Johnson's Austin Toros 99-83 Friday night at Tingley Coliseum. The win moved the T-Birds to 12-8 on the season. The loss dropped Austin to 10-9.

Albuquerque came out hot grabbing a 10-2 lead early in the first quarter. The T-Birds were relentless and held on to the lead the rest of the game. After the first quarter Albuquerque led 25-18. Their advantage bulged to 17 points before settling at nine at halftime (45-36).

In the third quarter the Thunderbirds really took over by forming a twenty-three point lead, and went into the fourth up 75-52. Austin was able to cut the lead to ten points in the fourth, but could not get any closer, as the Thunderbirds secured the win.

“We came out ready to play, and we were able to execute,” said Thunderbird head coach Michael Cooper.

Tierre Brown led the Albuquerque attack, scoring 14 points with seven assists. Other high scorers for the T-Birds were Andreas Glyniadakis and Ken Johnson, both with 12 points.

Austin’s Andre Emmett led all scorers with 28 points and was followed closely by Marus Fizer who poured in 21 for the Toros. Alex Scales also scored in double figures with 13.