Skyforce Beats Bakersfield and Avenges Worst Loss of Season

Merely nineteen days ago on a neutral floor, Sioux Falls was seemingly stuck in neutral during a lopsided loss to Bakersfield at the NBADL Showcase.  Friday night the Skyforce turned in a gem on the Jam’s home court downing Bakersfield 114-96 at Dignity Health Events Center.

On January 5, Bakersfield blasted the Skyforce 120-85 featuring 4 NBA players on assignment on the Jam roster.  This night the Jam (10-15) had just Archie Goodwin on assignment from the Phoenix Suns.  Goodwin delivered the goods in his first NBADL game with 32 points and 8 rebounds, though a bit of efficiency was desired as the 19-year old made 7-22 from the floor.

Midway through the second quarter the game turned on a 12 point run for Sioux Falls (15-8) that put them in the lead for good.  A trio of 20 plus scorers paced the Skyforce who are now 1-1 on their west coast swing.  DeAndre Liggins poured in 24 points with 10 rebounds and 5 steals.  Tre Kelley continues his hot hand with his third straight 20 point game by scoring 23 and Justin Hamilton chipped in 21 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Liggins is far and away the league leader in steals with 62.  His closest pursuer is Iowa’s Othyus Jeffers with 55 and he got called up to San Antonio on a 10-day contract with the Spurs.  Also Larry Drew II is producing in a reserve role dealing 6 assists on the night which is one below his average which is 4th best in the D-League.

Incidentally, the Skyforce traditionally play well in Bakersfield posting a better than .500 record (6-2) in that California outpost.  Both teams are back on the court Saturday night.  Bakersfield will host Reno while Sioux Falls ends their time on the coast in Los Angeles to face the D-Fenders.