Skyforce Huge 3rd Quarter Tames The Toros

Both teams on Friday night let one slip away.  On Saturday, the Sioux Falls Skyforce took the Austin Toros by the horns in the 3rd quarter and held on for a road win 117-106 in the NBA Development League.

Austin got the upper hand early by leading 24-14, but the Skyforce closed the gap with a 7-2 run by quarter’s end.  Both teams were steady in the second quarter, but the floodgates opened for Sioux Falls in the third with a 22-6 run over the final 6 minutes of the period to build the lead to 85-70.  From there, Austin could get no closer than 8 points in the final period as cold shooting from the floor prevented a comeback attempt.  For the game Sioux Falls shot 52 percent from the floor including a sparkling 8 of 16 from long distance.  The Toros struggled with the stroke going 40 percent on their shots, but picked up 24 offensive rebounds.

High marks for the Skyforce include veteran Troy Hudson with 26 points and 9 assists, Andrew Goudelock with 22 points 6 boards and 6 dimes and Jarvis Varnado collecting 12 points 16 rebounds and  2 blocked shots.  NBA assignee Arnett Moultrie of the 76ers got his first action in the D-Leauge by adding 9 points and 9 rebounds for Sioux Falls.  Austin’s Justin Dentmon piled up 28 points to lead the Toros and current San Antonio Spur Cory Joseph augmenting his assignment with 21 points and 9 assists.

Next on the schedule for the 7-3 Skyforce is a home date on Christmas Day against the Iowa Energy.   The Toros who drop to 6-5 will try to get back on the winning track on Wednesday at Canton.