Raptors 905 First in East with Victory over Sioux Falls
December 9, 2016 - NBA G League (G League)
Raptors 905 News Release
MISSISSAUGA - Raptors 905 and the Sioux Falls Skyforce engaged in a spirited contest Friday night as the 905 emerged with the 101-81 victory, claiming top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Axel Toupane led all scorers with 22 points for Raptors 905, while Keith Benson paced Sioux Falls recording 19 points and grabbing 13 rebounds for his fourth straight double-double.
The two teams exchanged baskets to start the game, with six lead changes occurring in the first quarter. E.J. Singler of the 905 and Okaro White of the Skyforce both recorded six points in the frame. Headed into the second quarter, the 905 held a slim 20-18 lead.
In the second, Axel Toupane and John Jordan would combine for 12 points off the bench for the 905, while Okaro White and Keith Benson would respond with 12 points for the Skyforce, propelling Sioux Falls to a 43-41 lead at the half.
Raptors 905 enjoyed a strong second half, outscoring the Skyforce 60-38 in the final 24 minutes. Will Sheehey scored seven points in the third quarter, a total matched by Briante Weber from Sioux Falls. Heading into the final frame the 905 held a slim 66-65 lead.
In the fourth, Brady Heslip and Axel Toupane took control of the game for the 905, scoring 24 of the team's 35 points in the quarter. Heslip had a perfect frame, shooting 3-3 from the field, 1-1 from three-point range and 6-6 from the free-throw line totaling 13 points. Toupane scored 11 points in the final 12 minutes, while as a team, the 905 shot .563 from the field. Ike Nwamu recorded seven points for Sioux Falls as part of a 16-point quarter for the Skyforce. Raptors 905 closed out the game with a 14-point run, holding Sioux Falls pointless in the final three minutes.
Notes
Raptors 905: Edy Tavares recorded his second double-double of the season, scoring 10 points, grabbing 17 rebounds and blocking six shots...Brady Heslip remains perfect from the free-throw line this season (16-16) ...Heslip had a game high five assists...Axel Toupane has led the team in bench scoring in four games this season...John Jordan set season highs in minutes (19) and points (14)...The victory over Sioux Falls was the first in franchise history (1-5).
Sioux Falls: Okaro White and Keith Benson both recorded double-doubles, scoring 37 of the team's 81 points...Benson set a season high with six blocks...Luis Montero had a game-high four steals...Briante Weber lead the team with four assists...Head Coach Nevada Smith was ejected from the game at the 2:53 mark of the fourth quarter after receiving two consecutive technical fouls
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