Skyforce Comeback Falls Short against Energy
January 3, 2014 - NBA G League (G League)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release
Sioux Falls, S.D. (Jan. 2, 2014) - The Iowa Energy defeated the Sioux Falls Skyforce 104-94 Thursday night at the Sanford Pentagon. After an even first quarter, a dominant Iowa second quarter produced a lead that Sioux Falls would shrink but never overcome as the Skyforce lost their second straight home contest.
Iowa (10-4) dominated the glass as they outrebounded Sioux Falls (11-4) 51-36 on the night. The difference was made almost entirely by defensive rebounds, where Iowa held a 43-26 advantage. On top of outscoring Sioux Falls 37-19 in the second quarter, Iowa also outrebounded the Skyforce 17-5 in the quarter.
Sioux Falls trailed by as many as 20 points in the second quarter, but outscored Iowa 33-21 in the third quarter and eventually got within one point (83-82) early in the final quarter. Iowa responded by going on a quick 9-2 run to thwart the comeback effort and even the season series at two games apiece.
Iowa was led by Kalin Lucas, who came off the bench to score 22 points and dish seven assists. Larry Owens and Jarvis Varnado both posted double-doubles as Owens scored 15 and pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds while Varnado recorded 12 points and 11 rebounds. Chicago Bulls assignee Marquis Teague contributed 13 points and six assists.
DeAndre Liggins led the charge for Sioux Falls, totaling 20 points and seven assists. Anthony Mason Jr. provided a spark off the bench with 18 points and a team-high nine rebounds, Ryan Evans scored 13 and A.J. Davis added 12.
Iowa visits Fort Wayne tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. CT. Sioux Falls faces Bakersfield Sunday at 7:15 p.m. CT at the 2014 NBA D-League Showcase in Reno, Nev.
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