SIOUX FALLS, S.D., April 4 - The Fort Wayne Mad Ants ended the Sioux Falls Skyforce's six-game win streak with a 110-106 victory Friday night. The loss now puts the Skyforce a half game back of the Central Division-leading Dakota Wizards with two games to play."We played with a lot of pride tonight; even though we are out of (the playoff race), these guys are playing for other things as well," said Mad Ants head coach Jaren Jackson. "Some guys are playing for a call-up, and the fact that we haven't won here helped as well."
The Mad Ants improved to 1-3 at the Sioux Falls Arena this season, a place where the Skyforce usually pull out the close contests. Sioux Falls fell behind by eight points in the fourth before back-to-back 3-pointers by David Bailey made it look as if the Skyforce was headed for another close home win. Fort Wayne answered when they had to, however, and hit crucial free throws to escape with the win.
From beginning to end, the game was played with playoff-like intensity as neither team allowed an easy basket. The hard play led to a high number of fouls which the Mad Ants took advantage of by hitting 86.7% (39-of-45) of their free throws.
Dahntay Jones led Fort Wayne with 32 points while hitting 14-of-15 foul shots. Jones' biggest contribution, however, might have been his defensive play on Skyforce leading scorer Kasib Powell. Powell scored 46 the last time these teams met, but was held to just five points in the final three quarters.
"Dahntay is a strong player," said Jackson. "He brought a level of toughness that we desperately needed tonight."
Bailey led six players in double figures for the Skyforce with 22 points. Powell, Chris Alexander and Glen McGowan each added 16 for Sioux Falls.
Sioux Falls and Fort Wayne will play again on Sunday at the Sioux Falls Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
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