A furious fourth quarter stopped any notion of an upset as the Sioux Falls Skyforce bounced the Salt Lake City Stars 120-107 on Saturday night.

Coming off a big win the night before against Raptors 905, Salt Lake City (14-26) looked to spoil another potential playoff team’s night. As the third quarter played out, the effort was noble. The Stars closed to within a point before a strong kick at the end by the visitors pushed the lead to 90-83.

Sioux Falls (26-17) used the final 12 minutes to extend the lead up to 23 before settling on the final margin. In the process, some revenge was enacted for the last meeting on December 30. The ‘Force built a big third quarter lead then eventually lost in overtime back in December at Bruin Arena.

Executing on the fast break and getting points in the paint was a big part of the Skyforce attack propelling them to 52 percent shooting from the floor. On the Stars side of things the hosts shot almost twice as many free throws (27-33) as the ‘Force, but from the floor things didn’t come as easy by mustering a 43 percent performance.

Greg Whittington would ensure the Skyforce would taste victory with 22 points on a perfect night from the floor and the free throw line (9-9 FG, 3-3 from deep and 1-1 FT). Malik Beasley on assignment from the Denver Nuggets had a well-rounded performance of 20 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals and Keith Benson with another double-double with 18 points and 16 rebounds.

For Salt Lake City, two players stood above the rest. Center Henry Sims finished with 22 points and 7 rebounds meanwhile guard Sundiata Gaines racked up 19 points and 12 boards.

Sioux Falls will be the ones trying to complete the back-to-back sweep tomorrow (March 12) against the Northern Arizona Suns in Prescott Valley. Salt Lake City’s next outing will be at Erie on Wednesday.


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