Maine Capitalizes On Careless Skyforce Squad

Two words that are polar opposites work together to explain the recent woes of the Sioux Falls Skyforce:  give and take.  On Friday night, the Skyforce dropped a decision to the Maine Red Claws 106-94 in NBA Development League play committing 21 turnovers in the process.  There were times when the home team would GIVE the ball away carelessly and other times when the Red Claws would step up defensively and TAKE possession.

As evidence, the Skyforce committed 7 miscues in the first quarter alone as Maine jumped out to a 10 point lead at the quarter break.  The Skyforce respected the orange in the 2nd and got to within 3 points at halftime, but the shoddiness returned after intermission.  Maine built a lead of 22 points before the margin was cut to 9 with just over four minutes left.  It was just a tease as the Red Claws clamped down on the momentum to hang on for the win.

Leading the scoring parade for Maine was DaJuan Summers with 22 points to go with 12 rebounds and Xavier Silas got 19 points and 6 assists.  Sioux Falls got 18 points off the bench for NBA assignee Arnett Moultrie, 17 points and 7 rebounds for Demetris Nichols and Gabe Pruitt spelled an injured Troy Hudson with 13 points and 8 assists.  Dexter Pittman got 9 points and 10 rebounds in his return to the Skyforce on assignment from the Miami Heat.  The two teams will clash again Saturday night for the final game of the season between the two teams.