Sioux Falls 123, Fort Wayne 103

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Feb. 2 – The Sioux Falls Skyforce proved they were the dominant team for a second straight night against division foe Fort Wayne, winning easily 123-103 on Saturday at the Sioux Falls Arena. The Skyforce were in control from beginning to end as they never trailed and led by as many as 38 points.

“It all starts with our defense,” said Skyforce coach Nate Tibbetts. “It’s a lot of fun right now, the whole team is playing well.”

Three players scored over 20 points for the Skyforce (14-14) who, for the first time since the start of the season, do not have a losing record. Carl Elliott led the Skyforce attack with 23 points off the bench while Kasib Powell, David Bailey and Jermareo Davidson scored 22, 21 and 19, respectively.

“We have a lot of options right now and a lot of good players,” said Tibbetts. “It’s pretty exciting to get to this point from where we started.”

Sioux Falls scored with ease in the first two quarters and went into the locker room ahead 70-44. The Skyforce continued their excellent play in the third quarter and extended their lead by 10 going into the fourth. Fort Wayne, however, took advantage of a relaxed Sioux Falls team and outscored the Skyforce by 16 in the final quarter.

Jeremy Richardson, the D-League’s leading scorer, led Fort Wayne with 26 points in his first game back with the team after being released by the San Antonio Spurs. Detroit Pistons assignee Cheikh Samb added a triple-double with 12 points, 12 rebounds and 11 blocked shots for the Mad Ants.

Sioux Falls and Fort Wayne will meet again on Tuesday in Fort Wayne. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.