The Sioux Falls Skyforce defeated the Idaho Stampede 106-103 Friday night at the Sioux Falls Arena. With both teams trying to turn their seasons around, the intensity level was high all night in a game that saw 19 lead changes.
The contest was tight from the opening tip until Sioux Falls (8-22) went on the first run of the game to end the first quarter. Jake Anderson banked in a long two from the top of the key at the buzzer as the Skyforce finished the quarter on a 12-5 run to take a 31-23 lead after one. The lead was the largest of the game for either team.
Trying to win their third game in a row, Idaho (10-17) swung the momentum back in their favor, beginning the second quarter with a 12-2 run to take a 35-33 lead less than five minutes into the quarter. The teams continued to exchange leads and Idaho held the slight advantage at half 54-53.
Sioux Falls came out after half looking to build a lead, and led by five (64-59) early in the third until David Bailey knocked in consecutive 3-pointers and led Idaho on a 12-4 run to take a 71-68 lead. Trailing by five (96-91) with a little over five minutes left in the game, Sioux Falls looked to be headed for their seventh straight loss. However, a quick 7-2 run knotted the game at 98-98. Anthony Mason, Jr. knocked in two free throws after being fouled and Sioux Falls took a 100-98 lead. They never relinquished that lead in the final three minutes, holding on for the 106-103 victory.
Despite being outscored in the paint significantly for a second straight game, Sioux Falls shot 10-of-14 from the 3-point line (.714) – their best percentage of the season – to lead them to a victory.
Gabe Pruitt converted a season-high 6-of-8 3-pointers and finished with 21 points and nine assists. Trey Gilder led Sioux Falls in scoring with 23 points and also grabbed six rebounds.
Mikki Moore had a season-high 21 points and Marcus Banks came off the bench to add 16 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Sioux Falls hosts Canton tomorrow night at 7 p.m. CT in the Eighth annual Military Night game. Idaho continues their road trip at Iowa tomorrow at 6 p.m. MT.
