Skyforce Escape Austin With Win [VIDEO]

The Sioux Falls Skyforce opted to shake up the roster after a couple of lackluster performances against Tulsa last weekend.  Dividends were immediately realized in a 94-93 win over the Austin Toros.

Seth Tarver came in from Idaho and off the bench in the Wednesday night tilt to amass 24 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals.  Tarver also showed his ability to come through in the clutch.  At the end of the first quarter, Demetris Nichols 3 point attempt spun out, but Tarver laid it back in as time expired.  Closing the third quarter, Tarver hit a twisting jump shot from 18 feet as the red LED lights flashed on the backboard.  Then to cement the night, with Sioux Falls (21-14) trailing by one a driving Andre Barrett missed an off-balance heave, but Tarver was there to grab the errant shot.  The put back attempt tantalizingly rolled on the rim, however before the ball could take its natural path Chris Roberts of Austin (20-14) reached through the net and knocked it out for a defensive goaltending violation.  The officials put .3 back on the clock, so Tarver didn’t officially end three of the four quarters with a basket.  Who cares?  A win is a win and Tarver scored the winning points.

The other new characters in the act for the Skyforce were almost as satisfying as the Idaho import.  Former Maine Red Claws guard Barrett did more distributing than scoring with 7 points and 8 assists along with 4 steals.  Travel-weary James Mays also hustled in from Maine to log 17 points 8 rebounds and 3 blocks.

Austin’s Cory Joseph led the Toros with 20 counters as he continues his assignment from the San Antonio Spurs.  Rick Jackson finished with 18 points and 8 rebounds and JaMychal Green added 13 points with 11 boards.  These two teams will meet again at Cedar Park Center Sunday afternoon, but between now and then, Austin hosts Iowa on Thursday and Sioux Falls plays in Tulsa on Saturday.