Wizards Win Over Sioux Falls Clinches Season Series
Published on February 5, 2009 under NBA G League (G League)
Dakota Wizards News Release
Bismarck, N.D. February 5, 2009: Even though the Wizards had three players named to the NBA Development League All-Star game earlier this week, it was not a player who helped vault Dakota to a 114-104 win over Central Division rival the Sioux Falls Skyforce on Thursday night at the Bismarck Civic Center. The game's MVP goes to Dr. Joe Carlson, the Wizards team physician.
Wizards reserve guard David Bell received a nasty gash over his right eye after colliding with teammate Jawann McClellan in the first half. At halftime, Dr. Carlson, from the Bone and Joint Center in Bismarck, stitched up Bell who was instrumental in the Wizards 31-9 run that put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter. Entering the quarter, the Wizards were trailing 85-77, but outscored the Skyforce 37-19 over the final twelve minutes to win the game and bring their record to 17-12 on the season, 4-2 over Sioux Falls with one game left to play against the Skyforce.
"That was an outstanding final quarter of basketball," said Wizards head coach Duane Ticknor. "Blake, and especially David were really shooting the ball well, and the crowd gave our guys the extra boost they needed on the defensive end to help us beat a really good Sioux Falls team."
Bell, who finished the game with 14 points and five stitches, was a perfect 4-of-4 in the fourth quarter from behind the three point line. Wizards All-Star Blake Ahearn, who earlier in the day was selected to participate in the D-League Three Point Shootout at Dream Factory Friday Night, also connected on four three-point attempts and poured in a game high 28 points and dished nine assists.
The Wizards, who had six players score in double-figures on the night, played terrific team basketball, Dakota had 29 assists on 35 field goals. Forwards Renaldo Major and Will Frisby both ended the game with 20 points apiece and Richard Hendrix recorded another double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
Sioux Falls, now 14-13, was shorthanded with an injured Kasib Powell sitting on the bench in street cloths and was led by guard David Bailey who scored 27 points and had eight assists. Center John Edwards recorded a double-double of his own with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The Wizards return to the Civic Center for their fourth game in a five game homestand on Saturday to battle the Fort Wayne Mad Ants at 7pm CT. Ironically, the Skyforce travel back to Sioux Falls tonight to take on the same Mad Ants team tomorrow night at 7pm CT.
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