Skyforce Escape to Keep Win Streak Alive

Coming from 23 points down, the Sioux Falls Skyforce rallied in Game one of their NBADL Showcase experience and turned away Raptors 905 with a four point win 102-98 Thursday night in Santa Cruz.

These two teams have become very familiar over the past three weeks with all four games decided in favor of Sioux Falls (15-3). The first went to overtime in Sioux Falls on December 22 (111-102). Two more matchups less than a week ago were comfortable wins on the 905’s home court.

Prospects of running the win streak to eight were dim when the score was 45-22 in favor of Raptors 905 (5-15) with 7 minutes left before the half. Sioux Falls was able to trim the deficit to 13 by halftime mainly by strengthening their defense and converting off Raptors turnovers.

Josh Richardson sparked the comeback in the third quarter by drilling a pair from long range and scoring 10 in the quarter. The defense picked up on the mojo by keeping the 905 to a 7 of 16 shooting performance.

West Central Wins on Last Minute Shot

A taut fourth quarter saw Sioux Falls get their first lead of the game in the final frame only to see Raptors 905 skate out front by seven midway through the quarter. The Skyforce reeled off a 10-0 run in response with the two teams trading the lead until a reverse layup by Jarnell Stokes with 1:45 left put the ‘Force up to stay.

Miami magic worked again as assignees Richardson (26 points, 5 rebounds) and Stokes (24 points, 10 rebounds) led the scoring which you can see below. Raptors 905 had a standout night from Scott Suggs with 27 points with a 10 of 15 shooting performance.

Each team will have one more contest at the NBADL Showcase on Saturday. Raptors 905 will meet Rio Grande Valley while Sioux Falls faces Santa Cruz.