BISMARCK, N.D., Feb. 17 - The Sioux Falls Skyforce took control early and never let up as they pulled within two games of the Central Division-leading Dakota Wizards with a 112–100 victory at the Bismarck Civic Center.

The Skyforce played with a heavy heart as coach Nate Tibbetts did not travel with the team due to the death of his father, Fred. Kasib Powell, who flew in from the D-League All-Star Game in New Orleans just in time for the game, scored 25 points.

"I was really tired today, and I didn’t think I was going to play," Powell said. "When I heard the news about coach's father, I knew it was the right thing to do."

The Skyforce (17-16) moved above .500 for the first time this season and grabbed a 3-2 advantage in the season series.

Sioux Falls led by as many as 22 points and had five scorers in double digits. Elton Nesbitt made 7-of-11 3-pointers and scored 21 points, Carl Elliott added 19 off the bench and Chris Alexander and David Bailey contributed 15 apiece.

Dakota (18-13) played without All-Stars Carlos Powell and Rod Benson and was led by Kevin Lyde, who had 20 points and 14 rebounds. Will Frisby moved into the starting lineup and had 18 points and 11 boards. Blake Ahearn scored 19 points.

The teams meet again in Sioux Falls on Tuesday.