A slow steady climb followed by a steep decline with a loop or two added for good measure.  You may think it would be some amusement park roller coaster, but it could also be game one of the 2013-14 season in the NBA Development League for the Sioux Falls Skyforce and Reno Bighorns.

The home team christened its new venue the Sanford Pentagon with a victory, though the 86-85 score is just the start.  Skyforce guard Quincy Douby topped all scoring with 29 points.  Staying step-for-step was Ray McCallum on assignment from the Sacramento Kings with 28 counters and 7 rebounds.

Sioux Falls built leads of 16 points in the first quarter and 18 points in the third quarter, but the Bighorns were equal to the challenge throughout.  Leading only once at 83-81 on a McCallum layup with 2:23 left, Douby answered quickly with a comeback three to take the lead the ‘Force would not relinquish.  However the game was in doubt until a Reno desperation lob in the frontcourt was knocked away giving Pat Delany his first win as a head coach.  It was also a night for a reunion of sorts as Joel Abelson last year’s Skyforce head coach was on the opposite bench.

Other significant contributions came from a couple of rookies for Sioux Falls in the form of Ryan Evans with 21 points and A.J. Davis posting a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.  For Reno Trent Lockett added 14 with DeQuan Jones 11 and Reggie Larry off the bench with 10 points.  The same two teams will finish off the season series on Saturday night.

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