Imagine a sweltering summer day where the sticky air portends a coming storm.  Once the wind shifts, the clouds close out the sunlight and the search commences for the nearest shelter.  The basketball winds shift just as quickly and there is no safe haven.  Ride on until the clock reads zero.  Then do it two extra times.  Metaphors aside, if it were easy everyone would do it.  Nonetheless, the Sioux Falls Skyforce squandered a 21-point 4th quarter lead to eventually escape with a 117-111 double overtime win over the Canton Charge.

With 9:03 left, the score was 93-72 in favor of Sioux Falls (23-21).  A flash of lightning later, Canton (27-18) had 7.2 seconds left in a tie game with the ball to get a winning score.  March Madness indeed.  The two teams had enough left in the tank to play two extra sessions and the game wasn’t decided until Kyle Gibson was called for travelling with 17.3 seconds left in the second extra session.  The victory was especially sweet for Sioux Falls who recaptured a tenuous hold on a playoff spot.  Skyforce guard Seth Tarver drew the defensive assignment on Gibson and had to meticulously prepare for the task.

Gibson’s miscue notwithstanding, he had a fantastic night with 24 points to lead the visitors with Arinze Onuaku posting another double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds.  Demetris Nichols of the Skyforce was just a tick better with 32 points and 9 rebounds, Mychel Thompson came off the bench to post 21 ponts and Andre Barrett nearly posted a triple double of 16 points 9 rebounds and 9 assists.

The schedule sends both teams out for Wednesday night road contests.  Canton will square off with the Springfield Armor, while Sioux Falls battle the Austin Toros.

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