Skyforce Flying High in Overtime Win
Published on December 30, 2005 under Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release
Sioux Falls, SD (December 29, 2005) - The Sioux Falls Skyforce defeated the Idaho Stampede tonight 108-104 (5.5, 1.5) to move to 11-10 on the season. With Stephen Graham cheering behind the âForce bench in street clothes the âForce was able to pull out another close win at home thanks to the late game heroics of Brandon Hunter. Idaho dropped to 11-9 with the loss and snapped their five-game winning streak.
The âForce got news of Graham's return a few hours before tip-off and maybe his return is just what the team needs to get back on track. Regardless, he was not going to play tonight so the âForce would have to win without him. The âForce would lead by as many as nine points (23-14) in the first quarter and went on to win the quarter 27-23 behind 10 points a piece from Rodney Buford and Noel Felix. The Stampede would cut into the lead and went into halftime leading 48-46, along with winning the second quarter 25-19. The crowd was getting restless in the third quarter as the Stampede led by eight points (57-49) four minutes into the second half. Idaho would push the lead to 11 points (68-57) before the âForce responded with a 15-6 run to end the quarter trailing 74-72. The teams would split the quarter-point as each team scored 26 points a piece. It was anyone's game in the final quarter as there were four ties and six lead changes in the fourth quarter alone. The âForce would find themselves trailing by two points (96-94) with :17 seconds remaining and needed someone to step up. Jemeil Rich finally got the ball to Hunter on the left wing and he drove hard to the basket and made an outstanding reverse lay-up in traffic with 1.7 seconds remaining in regulation. Eric Chenowith missed a long three-pointer at the buzzer to send the game into overtime. The âForce never trailed in the extra period as they outscored the Stampede 12-8 to improve to 8-1 at home.
The Skyforce's next game is on Monday, January 2nd, at home against the Idaho Stampede. Tip-off is set for 7:05 pm at the Sioux Falls Arena.
Game Highlights:
SKYFORCE: Rodney Buford 30 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists
Brandon Hunter 24 points, 17 rebounds
STAMPEDE: Matt Freije 33 points, 9 rebounds
Eric Chenowith 11 points, 29 rebounds
Continental Basketball Association 1 Stories from December 30, 2005
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- Skyforce Flying High in Overtime Win - Sioux Falls Skyforce
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