Sioux Falls Skyforce Deep-Six Delaware 87ers

The Sioux Falls Skyforce prevailed in a 118-110 victory over the expansion Delaware 87ers Friday night with 2,235 witnesses present at the Bob Carpenter Sports Convocation Center.  In the process, the Skyforce swept the season series 3-0. 
This being the first contest of the season without DeAndre Liggins someone needed to pick up some slack.  Actually it was everyone who brought some either the same or extra for Sioux Falls (21-15) to get a tough road triumph.  Rookie A.J. Davis brought the extra with 24 points and topped the Skyforce scoring chart for the first time this season.  More of the same was provided by Tre Kelley (23 points), Justin Hamilton (20 points, 9 rebounds) and Larry Drew II (14 points, 7 assists).  All four of the Skyforce standouts get some feature time in the clip below.  Check especially the alley-oop to Davis.

The game flow ebbed back and forth throughout without much separation in the first half as the Skyforce led by only two points.  Late in the third period, eleven straight for the visitors pushed the lead to 17 counters.  Delaware (11-27) delighted the home crowd by forging ahead 104-102 with 2:46 left.  Sioux Falls struck back by delivering a clutch 9 of 11 at the charity stripe.

The Sevens were paced by Vander Blue who torched the ‘Force for 35 points and 11 rebounds with Tiny Gallon producing 20 points.  Other eye-popping performances came in the rebounding numbers as Delaware captured 24 offensive boards of 60 overall.  The extra chances led to an astounding 111 shots taken which is very near a franchise record.  The most taken by a Skyforce opponent was 114 put up by the San Jose Jammers on November 23, 1990.  Incidentally, that was a game the Skyforce also won.

For the next round, Sioux Falls will remain on the road for a Saturday night contest with the Erie BayHawks.  Delaware however begins a four-game stretch in California starting on Sunday in Bakersfield.