Regular Season Ends with Skyforce Loss Playoffs Next
With a playoff spot on the line, Fort Wayne hangs on to beat Sioux Falls and solidify the Eastern Conference post season entry list. The Mad Ants season continues after holding off the Skyforce 101-97 on Saturday night.
Most of the game was in Fort Wayne (28-22) control. Starting the game, Sioux Falls (29-21) put the first seven points on the board before going dry and the Mad Ants pounced with a 32-7 run to close the quarter.
The fourth quarter was the best stretch for the visitors. For that final twelve minutes the defense picked up and the offense followed suit closing the gap from 15 to 2.
Fort Wayne withstood the tension and will face Maine in the playoffs as their reward. Heading the Fort Wayne attack was C.J. Fair for the second consecutive night with 25 points and 14 rebounds. Trey McKinney Jones and Matt Bouldin each chipped in 18 counters.
Scotty Hopson got back on track with 19 points and 8 assists after scoring 6 the night before. Double-doubles obtained by Shawn Jones (19 points, 14 rebounds) and Khem Birch (11 points, 15 rebounds) were also beneficial. If you take a look at the clip, feast your eyes on the plethora of Jones dunks.
Round one matchups will have Sioux Falls at Canton on Wednesday April 8 for Game 1 then Game 2 on Monday April 13 and if necessary Game 3 on Tuesday April 14 in Sioux Falls. The full NBADL schedule is below.
All times listed are CDT.
Western Conference
Santa Cruz vs. Oklahoma City
Game 1 – Wed April 8 Santa Cruz at Oklahoma City 8:30PM ESPNU
Game 2 – Fri April 10 Oklahoma City at Santa Cruz 9:30PM ESPNews
Game 3 * Tue April 14 Oklahoma City at Santa Cruz TBD ESPNU
Austin vs. Bakersfield
Game 1 – Tue April 7 Austin at Bakersfield 8:30PM ESPNU
Game 2 – Sat April 11 Bakersfield at Austin 12:00PM ESPN3
Game 3 * Sun April 12 Bakersfield at Austin 1:00PM ESPNews
Eastern Conference
Maine vs. Fort Wayne
Game 1 – Tue April 7 Maine at Fort Wayne 6:00PM ESPNU
Game 2 – Sat April 11 Fort Wayne at Maine 3:00PM ESPNews
Game 3 * Sun April 12 Fort Wayne at Maine 3:30PM ESPNews
Sioux Falls vs. Canton
Game 1 – Wed April 8 Sioux Falls at Canton 6:00PM ESPNU
Game 2 – Mon April 13 Canton at Sioux Falls 7:00PM ESPN3
Game 3 * Tue April 14 Canton at Sioux Falls TBD TBD ESPNU