Skyforce Holds off Mad Ants
Published on January 20, 2012 under NBA G League (G League)
Sioux Falls Skyforce News Release
Sioux Falls, S.D. - The Sioux Falls Skyforce defeated the Fort Wayne Mad Ants 106-102 Friday night at the Sioux Falls Arena. Sioux Falls got off to a fast start in a game they never trailed and snapped a three-game home losing streak.
Sioux Falls (7-16) took the early lead with two quick baskets by Gabe Pruitt. They began the game on a 9-0 run and looked ready to run away with the game. However, Fort Wayne (8-14) got their first score of the night with a basket by Darnell Lazare and responded with a 9-2 run of their own to get back in the game.
After leading by six (30-24) after the first quarter, Sioux Falls built their largest lead of the game (48-35) in the second. Casey Mitchell scored 18 of his 24 points in the second and the Skyforce took a 68-59 lead into halftime. Fort Wayne responded right away in the second half, converting an alley-oop dunk with Tory Jackson finding Gilbert Brown for the slam. They began the second half on a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to 68-66.
Sioux Falls responded with a 6-0 run and continued to hold a lead in the second half due to great presence on the offensive boards. Fort Wayne didn't have an answer all night for Trey Gilder who finished with eight offensive rebounds. Fort Wayne had a chance to tie the game with 17.8 seconds left but Cameron Jones missed a 3-pointer and Gilder grabbed the rebound and converted 1-of-2 free throws to seal the victory for Sioux Falls.
Gilder had his best performance in a Skyforce uniform with season-highs in points (31), rebounds (12) and steals (5). Mitchell continued his strong play off the bench with 24 points and six rebounds.
Lazare recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 assists. Jackson filled in nicely for GATORADE call-up Walker Russell, Jr. with 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
The same two teams play at 7 p.m. CT tomorrow night at the Sioux Falls Arena.
NBA G League Stories from January 20, 2012
- Texas Legends Defuse Canton Charge - Texas Legends
- Skyforce Holds off Mad Ants - Sioux Falls Skyforce
- Toros Torch the Stampede - Idaho Stampede
- Lin Picks up Triple-Double as Erie Drops Maine 122-113 - Maine Celtics
- Stampede Re-Acquire Devendorf, Galloway - Idaho Stampede
- Dennis Horner Returns to Springfield - Springfield Armor
- Fort Wayne's Walker Russell, Jr. Signs with Detroit - G League
- NBA D-League Update - G League
- Christian Laettner Named Mad Ants Assistant Coach - Indiana Mad Ants
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.
