Dakota Downs Skyforce in Overtime Thriller
April 5, 2009 - NBA G League (G League)
Dakota Wizards News Release
Bismarck, N.D. April 5, 2009: Behind Wizards guard Maurice Bakers seven points (15 points 8 assists on the night) in overtime Dakota dominated the extra stanza outscoring Sioux Falls 17 - 6 to grab a 134 - 123 overtime victory in front of over 3,500 fans tonight at the Bismarck Civic Center.
The Wizards, Now 26-22 on the season led by as many as 11 in the first half, but saw that lead fall quickly in the third as the Skyforce went on a 15 - 2 run that turned the game into a back and forth battle all the way down to the last play of the game.
With 11.3 seconds left in regulation and Dakota down four, Wizards forward Renaldo Major drove the lane for two points making it 117-115 Sioux Falls. On a full court inbounds play Wizards guard Maurice Baker stole the pass by Charlotte Bobcat Assignee Alexis Ajinca, baker immediately called timeout to set up the last play with 5.6 seconds on the clock.
Once again it was put into the hands of Wizards forward Renaldo Major as he again drove the lane for the tie and was sent to the line for the win by Skyforce's Frank Williams. Major missed the free shot and the Skyforce had an attempt at the win but fell short.
Dakota had seven of their eight players finish in double figures led off the bench by forward Romel Beck's 29 points. Forward Renaldo Major finished the night with 24 points and 12 rebound, while guard Blake Ahearn and forward Richard Hendrix both had 17 points with Hendrix pulling down 16 rebounds to give him his 25th double double of the season.
Sioux Falls, now 24-24 on the season, were led by Kasib Powell with a game high 34 points nearly grabbing a double double with 9 rebounds. Guard Frank Williams nailed 27 points dished out eight assists while grabbing seven boards in the loss. Guard David Bailey did not dress due to a knee injury and starting center Chris Ellis left the game in the fourth after hitting his jaw on Wizards forward Richard Hendrix's shoulder.
Dakota now travels to Iowa for a battle for first place in the Central Division on Thursday before returning home for the last game of their 08-09 season against the Anaheim Arsenal. Sioux Falls also get a road trip to Iowa, but for a Friday match up before playing their last game of the season at home vs. Anaheim.
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