Skyforce Builds Big Lead Coasts To Win Over Delaware

Sioux Falls swept a two game set from the expansion Delaware 87ers Saturday night with 3,250 onlookers at the Sanford Pentagon.  Final verdict was 117-103, but the final margin is slightly deceptive.

A tight first quarter gave way to a 24 minute barrage that Delaware (3-20) was unable to overcome.  Statistically the contrast is glaring.
Total FG:  Sioux Falls 24-42  Delaware 16-42
3 Point FG: Sioux Falls 8-21 Delaware 2-9
Free Throws:  Sioux Falls 13-16 Delaware 9-18

Also the farm team for Philadelphia committed 13 turnovers that led to 15 points for Sioux Falls (14-7) during that fateful stretch.  With time remaining in the third quarter the lead reached 32 points.

A combination of an 87ers rally and a little coasting by the Skyforce (14-7) and the potential blowout turned interesting.  With under 7 minutes left the lead was a manageable 13 points.  Delaware got no closer and the win was secure.

Skyforce Head Coach Pat Delany was honest about his team’s ability to grind.  “We got the win.  We just can’t afford to take a step forward and then take two steps back.  Our job is to keep getting better.”

Six Skyforce players scored in twin figures Justin Hamilton (24 points, 8 rebounds), Tre Kelley (21 points, 7 assists), DeAndre Liggins (21 points, 7 rebounds), Anthony Mason, Jr. (15), Ryan Evans (12), and A.J. Davis (11).  Meanwhile Keith “Tiny” Gallon had a monster game with 30 points and 17 rebounds for the visitors with Matt Bouldin backing up the big man with 19 points and 9 boards.

Delaware has one more road game at Erie on Monday before returning home.  Sioux Falls will head west for three games starting Tuesday at Santa Cruz with Bakersfield and Los Angeles to follow.