Benson's Late Free Throws Sink Jam
Published on March 23, 2012 under NBA G League (G League)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release
Sioux Falls, S.D. - The Sioux Falls Skyforce defeated the Bakersfield Jam 94-92 Friday night at the Sioux Falls Arena. After blowing a 10-point lead to start the fourth quarter, Keith Benson provided the winning points by sinking two free throws with 2.4 seconds left.
Sioux Falls (14-30) got on the board right away with Benson controlling the opening tip and knocking it directly to Anthony Mason, Jr. who caught it in stride for a layup. Sioux Falls took that momentum and raced out to an early lead and led 23-17 after one quarter. Mason, Jr. had 11 of his 13 points in the first.
Trailing 34-28 about halfway through the second quarter, Bakersfield (24-18) went on an 8-0 run to take a 36-34 lead. Jaun Pattillo was a spark off the bench during the run with two dunks. The teams exchanged leads three times the rest of the half and Sioux Falls led 47-44 at the break.
Sioux Falls controlled the third quarter, outscoring Bakersfield 30-23 to take a 77-67 lead and appeared to have the momentum entering the final quarter. Trey Gilder had 13 of his 31 points in the third.
In the fourth, however, Bakersfield erupted with a 22-6 run to take an 89-83 lead with less than six minutes to play. Sioux Falls battled back to tie the game at 92 in the final minute. After Mason, Jr. missed a jumper, Benson was fouled by Adam Koch in a scramble for the rebound with 2.4 seconds left. Benson converted both bonus free throws and Jaun Pattillo's failed 3-pointer at the buzzer sealed the victory for Sioux Falls to give them their fourth win in five contests.
Gilder nearly tied a season-high with 31 points to go along with nine rebounds and four assists. Benson posted 17 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks.
Pattillo came off the bench to lead Bakersfield in scoring with 18 points to go along with seven rebounds. Jeremy Wise had 14 points and five assists.
The same two teams face off at the Arena tomorrow night at 7 p.m. CT.
NBA G League Stories from March 23, 2012
- Stampede Stomp Mad Ants - Idaho Stampede
- Bakersfield Falls Short Against Sioux Falls - Bakersfield Jam
- Benson's Late Free Throws Sink Jam - Sioux Falls Skyforce
- Iowa clips Tulsa in OT - Tulsa 66ers
- Joseph's Triple-Double Helps Lead Toros Past Red Claws - Austin Spurs
- Vipers Fall to D-Fenders 105-94 - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Tulsa 66ers Re-Acquire Ryan Reid - Tulsa 66ers
- BayHawks to Hold Halftime Wedding Ceremony - Erie BayHawks
- Mavericks Assign Kelenna Azukuike to Legends - Texas Legends
- Willie Jenkins Re-Acquired - Idaho Stampede
- NBA D-League Update - G League
- Dallas Mavericks Assign Kelenna Azubuike to NBA D-League Affiliate Texas Legends - G League
- Red Claws Add BC's Trapani, Villanova's Stokes to Roster - Maine Celtics
- Legends Win Behind Team Effort - Texas Legends
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
