'Force wins close one
Published on February 11, 2006 under Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release
Sioux Falls, SD (February 10, 2006) - The Sioux Falls Skyforce defeated the Rockford Lightning tonight 120-119 (5, 2) to improve to 20-16 on the season. The âForce had an outstanding team effort as six players scored 18+ points and they were able to hold off a pesky Lightning team in the final seconds. Rockford dropped to 25-12 but still leads the CBA with a 4.3 quarter-points average.
The âForce was down to nine players already with the departure of Graham earlier this week, so with the news of Billy Thomas getting called-up to the Washington Wizards, they knew they needed to play a great game with only eight active players against the best team in the league. Both teams came out gunning in the first quarter and the âForce built a double-digit lead (21-11) halfway through the opening quarter. The âForce would win the high-scoring first quarter 44-35 behind 10 points from Chris Owens. The âForce increased the lead to as many as 18 points which was the lead at halftime as the score was 74-56 in favor of the home team. The âForce won the second quarter 30-21 behind eight points from Geno Carlisle. The third quarter was much of the same as the âForce enjoyed their largest lead of the game at 24 points (87-63) and appeared to be on their way to an easy victory against the best team in the CBA. However, Rockford chipped away at the lead and cut the deficit to 10 points (102-92) at the end of three quarters as they won the third quarter 36-28 behind nine points from Roger Powell. Rockford completed the comeback as they led 108-107, their first lead of the game, with under 6:00 to go in the contest. Both teams traded baskets and neither team would lead by more than three points in the final six minutes as the game went down to the wire. Ronnie Fields made an acrobatic shot as he was fouled to cut the lead to one point (120-119); however, he missed the subsequent free throw. After a missed shot from Mark Sanford, the Lightning had a chance to win the game as they trailed 120-119 and had possession of the ball with :09 left. A fadeaway jumper from Fields was short and the âForce picked up their first win against Rockford this season in dramatic fashion.
The Skyforce's next game is on Saturday, February 11th, at home against the Rockford Lightning. Tip-off is set for 7:05 pm at the Sioux Falls Arena.
Game Highlights:
SKYFORCE: Corey Williams 20 points, 18 assists
Chris Owens 18 points, 11 rebounds
LIGHTNING: Marlon Parmer 23 points, 8 assists
Roger Powell 18 points, 7 rebounds
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Group tickets and mini-plans are on sale for the 2005-06 season. For details call a Skyforce representative at (605) 332-0605.
Continental Basketball Association 1 Stories from February 11, 2006
- Skyforce game notes - Sioux Falls Skyforce
- Lightning Fall to Skyforce on the Road - Rockford Lightning
- 'Force wins close one - Sioux Falls Skyforce
- Steelheads Defeat Albany Patroons 126-101; Extend Win Streak to Five Games - CBA 1
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