Energy Use Fantastic Fourth Quarter to Power Past Skyforce

In a battle of undefeated teams, the visiting Iowa Energy emerged unscathed in a 124-104 triumph at the Sanford Pentagon during the home opener for the Sioux Falls Skyforce.  

The stage was set.  Home team trailing from the opening tap but one point separated the rivals late in the third quarter.  A sell-out crowd of 3,250 were staunchly supporting the new crop of players in their second game of the season.  3:37 remained in the third quarter and Iowa (3-0) didn’t blink.  A 7-0 Energy run produced enough separation to flip the script and send Sioux Falls (1-1) to their first defeat.

From that juncture, Iowa shot 16-26 (62 percent) from the floor and steadily built the lead to the end.  Over the same period the ‘Force went 7-28 (25 percent).  All five starters for the visitors shared the load led by guard Diante Garrett (25 points), former Skyforce center Hassan Whiteside (24 points, 16 rebounds, 4 blocks), Damien Wilkins (23 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds), Kalin Lucas (20 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds) and Patrick Christopher (19 points).

On the Skyforce ledger, Chris Allen put up 22 points against his former team (Iowa cut Allen last season) followed by Fuquan Edwin with 20 points off the bench.  Khem Birch had a solid 19 points and 11 rebounds while Tyler Johnson poured in 19 points and the poster maker of the night as you will see in the clip below.  Allen has led the 'Force in scoring in both outings this year.  Sioux Falls also had a very interesting distinction as each starter had exactly one blocked shot.

Iowa will continue their road warrior ways with a game next Saturday night against the Grand Rapids Drive while Sioux Falls will host the Maine Red Claws on Friday after Thanksgiving.