A double digit lead evaporated late, but a crucial stop helped send the Sioux Falls Skyforce to a sixth straight victory 117-112 over the Agua Caliente Clippers.
With four weeks left in the regular season, the race for playoff spots is extremely tight in the NBA G League. In the west there are nine top contenders.
Tough defense to start each half set the tone as the USA defeated Cuba 84-48 in a FIBA qualifying contest Friday night at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz.
Rodney McGruder is going to take a quick spin in the G League to on the road to recovery. He looks to get some burn in a return with the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
An American squad stocked with talented G League players prevailed in an exhibition over the Mexican Team 88-67 during NBA All-Star weekend in Los Angeles.
The next round of FIBA qualifying will commence with a Sioux Falls Skyforce player going for his third USA Basketball stint and another trying to make his first.