SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Iowa Energy defeated the Sioux Falls Skyforce 113-101 Friday night in the season opener for the Central Division foes. Iowa outscored Sioux Falls 42-20 in the final quarter to pick up a road win in front of 5,734 fans that showed up to watch the Skyforce tip off their 20th season. The score remained close throughout the first half and despite trailing 51-50 at the half Sioux Falls had the momentum following a 3-pointer from rookie Gary Forbes and a steal and buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Carl Elliott to cut the deficit to a single point.
Sioux Falls began the third quarter on a 20-4 run and appeared to be in control of the game as they ended the quarter leading 81-71. Iowa would not go down quietly though as they shot 70% (14/20) from the field in the final quarter and led by as many as 16 points before settling for a 12-point win to begin their second season in the NBA Development League.
Curtis Stinson led the Energy with 27 points and a game-high eight assists. Othyus Jeffers finished with 23 points including 14 in the fourth quarter.
Frank Williams scored a game-high 28 points and first round draft pick Gary Forbes has a solid professional debut with 19 points and seven rebounds. Sioux Falls travels to Fort Wayne for a Sunday night matchup at 6 p.m. Iowa takes on the Dakota Wizards tomorrow night in Bismarck at 7 p.m.
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