Drew II Sets Single Game Mark for Assists in Skyforce Win

For the second consecutive game, the Sioux Falls Skyforce put forth a record-breaking performance. This time the Rio Grande Valley Vipers were victimized in a 135-129 shootout Skyforce win on Christmas night.

On Saturday December 20, it was the team’s 23 conversions from long distance including 12 by Andre Dawkins that broke single game franchise records. Five days later at the traditional Christmas night game it was Larry Drew II setting a franchise and NBADL single game record with 23 assists. Check it up top on the highlight reel. However, we should not let that previous record escape without mentioning the former standard bearer. Darryl McDonald set the old mark with 22 assists as part of a triple double (24 points, 11 rebounds) on March 5, 1992 against CBA foe Albany. For good measure Drew II scored 16 points along with his prolific distributing.

That means a spectacular night by Sioux Falls’ Tyler Johnson earns a repeat in the “Oh, by the way” category as the rookie tallied 28 points, 7 assists 3 rebounds and 2 blocks. It's worth a look below. Khem Birch also provided plenty of support with 21 points and 15 rebounds.

Sioux Falls (7-7) was able to build double digit leads that Rio Grande Valley (6-10) could erase in quick fashion. The first example was a 15-0 run to close the first quarter turning a 10 point Skyforce lead into a 5 point deficit. Even an 18 point spread wasn’t safe with 3:45 left as a 17-1 run for the Vipers closed the gap to 2 with possession and under 30 seconds remaining. An attempt by Tyrone White for the lead went wide with Drew II claiming the crucial rebound and the threat was eventually neutralized.

Spurring the Viper comeback in both runs mentioned above was Akeem Richmond who stroked 4 from long distance in each run (10 for the game) and tallied 33 points. Feel free to sneak a peek below. Jaron Johnson accounted for 24 points while Chris Johnson ponied up 22 points and 8 boards.

Rio Grande Valley now embarks on the longest and final leg of their 4-game road trip as they head to Delaware Saturday night. Sioux Falls will await a Saturday night clash of their own as the Austin Spurs come to the Sanford Pentagon riding a 10-game winning streak.