A close game broke open in the third quarter as the Sioux Falls Skyforce dumped the Austin Spurs 116-103 Friday night at the Sanford Pentagon.

Neither team could gain more than three possessions separation in the opening stages. Midway through the third, Sioux Falls (10-3) pounced with a 16-1 run to close the quarter. Austin (5-8) could get no closer than 10 points through the balance of the game.

Coach Nevada Smith complemented the sharing nature of this team that is willing to feed the player who has the hot hand.

“We’re very selfless and are getting to someone who has it going. Our team gets happy and we relish the success of our teammates.”

Jabril Trawick had a couple stretches where the shots were falling by scoring 11 in the second frame and 10 more in the fourth to finish with 23 points. Offensively, Trawick says the team had overall good flow.

“They were going back and forth between the man and the zone (defense). It was all about ball movement and getting it into the middle. By making good passes with three or four swings, you’ll find the open guy. (Plus) I was able to get to my spots and made some tough finishes as well.”

Both teams top scorers delivered off the bench and Denver Nuggets assignee Malik Beasley nearly matched Trawick with 22 tallies for the ‘Force. Charles Garcia popped in 25 points to lead the Spurs. However, starting center Cory Jefferson did post the only double-double of the night with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Austin will have little time to rest before hitting the court again with a Sunday game against the Westchester Knicks. Sioux Falls has a little more breathing room in advance of a Wednesday date at home with the Santa Cruz Warriors.


See Also:

More From KSOO-AM / ESPN Sioux Falls