Bakersfield Feasts On Second Chances In Win Over Skyforce

More shots taken because of offensive rebounds collected is a simple formula to win a game.  When everything else ends up equal, that’s all you need as the Bakersfield Jam (11-6) topped the Sioux Falls Skyforce (10-7) 103-88 at the NBA Development League Showcase.

Field goal percentages, free throw makes and misses, turnovers, assists all virtually were even.  However, the Jam shot 97 times to 80 for the Skyforce mostly due to 20 offensive rebounds.  Eight of the nine player for Bakersfield got at least one offensive board.  By contrast, Sioux Falls as a team had six.  For two and a half quarters, it seemed as if the ‘Force was dying a slow death.  In between stretches of trading baskets, the Jam seemingly would get an extra basket off a missed shot eventually leading by 20 points.  The margin dwindled down to 8 early in the fourth quarter, but the Jam was able to increase the spread again to 22 before settling at the final margin of 15.

Bakersfield had a trio of players score 18 points including all-time top scorer and former ‘Force player Renaldo Major.  Jerel McNeal and Shan Foster were the other two at the top of the list.  Sioux Falls got 22 from Demetris Nichols while NBA assignee Dexter Pittman posted a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds.  The D-League Showcase continues through Thursday in Reno, Nevada with both teams making one more appearance.   Bakersfield will play the Maine Red Claws while Sioux Falls takes on the Springfield Armor with both games on Wednesday.