FORT WAYNE, Ind, Feb. 5 -- In a heartbreaking finish, the Sioux Falls Skyforce defeated the Fort Wayne Mad Ants 97-96 tonight at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Sioux Falls has won three straight over the Ants in less than a week.

The Skyforce took control of the first half, leading by as many as 17 points, and went into the locker room with a comfortable 13-point lead at the half. The Mad Ants outscored the Skyforce 32-17 in the third quarter to get back in the game. The fourth quarter was all Mad Ants until David Bailey sealed up the game for the Skyforce. Bailey tied the game at 96 with less than 20 seconds remaining and would later hit the winning free throw with just 1.2 seconds on the clock.

The Skyforce had six players in double figures, led by Carl Elliott and Charlotte Bobcats assignee Jermareo Davidson with 17 and 20 points, respectively. Hitting the boards hard for the Skyforce with 12 rebounds apiece were Chris Alexander and Minnesota Timberwolves assignee Chris Richard.

The Mad Ants were led by recent All-Star team selection Jeremy Richardson, who had 19 points, and Ron Howard, who shot 60 percent from the floor to finish with 15 points.

The Mad Ants fall to 9-17 on the season, while the Sioux Falls Skyforce improved to 15-14.