Hungry Mad Ants Gobble up Needed Win over Skyforce

Fort Wayne didn’t lock up a playoff spot, but they still control their own fate after topping Sioux Falls 98-91 at the Sanford Pentagon on Friday night.

Each team had a nine-point lead during the course of action. Fort Wayne (27-22) put the flow in their favor with a 14-0 run to end the third quarter. The Mad Ants gradually put their stamp on the game in the fourth keeping Sioux Falls (29-20) at bay with a 9-2 run near the end.

Tonight it was rookie C.J. Fair dictating matters with 28 points and 10 rebounds with Jordan Crawford putting up 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Mad Ants. Meanwhile for Sioux Falls, Andre Dawkins had the hot hand with 20 counters while Fuquan Edwin and Shawn Jones were close behind with 18 tallies. Getting video treatment will be the double-double by Larry Drew II with 10 points and 11 assists.

• Skyforce Nab Sixth Straight Division Title

The last two games of the season were bound to be crucial contests when the schedule was unveiled last autumn. Mad Ants and Skyforce back-to-back with each team getting a chance to host.

One year ago it was Fort Wayne (27-22) sweeping through the playoffs showing Sioux Falls (29-20) the exit. One qualifying spot remains heading into the final day with the Mad Ants having pressure from behind in the form of an eager Iowa Energy squad.

All Fort Wayne has to do is beat the Skyforce on their home floor. The other key to entry is if Iowa loses. A Mad Ants loss and an Iowa win tomorrow and the Energy are postseason bound.