'Force wins OT thriller
February 23, 2006 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release
Sioux Falls, SD (February 22, 2006) - The Sioux Falls Skyforce defeated the Gary Steelheads tonight 128-122 (5, 2) in overtime to improve to 24-16 on the season. Jimmie "Snap" Hunter led all scorers with 43 points, including two late free throws to force overtime, but the âForce made key plays in overtime to pick up a big win against the CBA-leading Gary Steelheads. Gary dropped to 25-17 but still remains in first place in the Eastern Conference with a 4.08 quarter-points average.
The âForce had an advantage coming into the game as they have been resting since last Friday and the Steelheads played in an overtime game in Rockford the previous night. The âForce was able to build an 11-points lead (28-17) with just over three minutes to go in the opening quarter, however, Gary would respond with an 11-2 run as the âForce won the opening quarter 30-28 behind eight points from Jermaine Walker. The âForce once again pushed the lead to double-digits (42-32) and led 58-51 at halftime. The âForce won the second quarter 28-23 behind 15 points from Noel Felix. Both teams traded baskets throughout much of the third quarter and the âForce led 84-80 after three quarters. Gary won the third quarter 29-26 behind 13 points from Jimmie "Snap" Hunter. The âForce would once again lead by double-digits (97-87) with 7:55 to go in the game, however, Gary scored 11 unanswered points and led 98-97 with just over 5:00 to go in the game. Corey Williams made 1-of-2 from the charity stripe to give the âForce a 111-109 lead with :12 seconds remaining. Gary once again responded as Hunter sank two clutch free throws with 1.2 seconds left to force overtime. Gary won the fourth quarter 31-27 behind 10 points from Brian Chase. The âForce trailed 113-111 early in the extra session, but would regain the lead and not look back as they outscored the Steelheads 17-11 in overtime to improve to a CBA-best 18-3 at home.
The Skyforce's next game is on Friday, February 24, on the road against the Idaho Stampede. Tip-off is set for 8:10 pm CST at Qwest Arena in Boise, Idaho.
Game Highlights:
SKYFORCE: Noel Felix 39 points, 8 rebounds
Corey Williams 23 points, 19 assists, 6 rebounds
STEELHEADS: Snap Hunter 43 points, 7-for-7 FT
Renaldo Major 16 points, 12 rebounds
* * * * *
Group tickets and mini-plans are on sale for the 2005-06 season. For details call a Skyforce representative at (605) 332-0605.
• Discuss this story on the Continental Basketball Association 1 message board...
Continental Basketball Association 1 Stories from February 23, 2006
- Miller injured in practice - Albany Patroons
- 'Force wins OT thriller - Sioux Falls Skyforce
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.
