The D-Fenders led from start to finish, and jumped out to a 14 point lead to close the first quarter. The Thunderbirds closed the lead to four late in the fourth, but that was as close as they got as the D-Fenders held on for the win.

The Thunderbirds had six players score in double figures for the second consecutive game, led by McLeod’s 21. Cory Underwood had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Antoine Agudio had 14, Carlos Powell had 14, and Yaroslav Korolev and Tony Danridge each added 10 for the home team.

The D-Fenders shot 51.4% from the field, holding Albuquerque to 46.2%. Ryan Forehan-Kelly had 19 points for the D-Fenders, with Dar Tucker chipping in 14 of his own.

The Los Angeles D-Fenders take on Bakersfield Jam Sunday night at 9:30pm, following the Los Angeles Lakers. Tune in to www.nba.com/futurecast.