Late Skyforce Bucket Has Maine Seeing Red

A two-game East Coast swing nets two wins as the Sioux Falls Skyforce nip the Maine Red Claws 113-110 at the Portland Expo Building Sunday afternoon. 

Four straight wins at a crucial point in the season moves Sioux Falls (29-19) from clinging to the edge to possibly hosting a first round series.  The second tussle with Maine (19-28) featured a struggling first half followed by offensive outbursts in the final 24 minutes.

Both teams combined to shoot 13-45 in the second period and Maine ended the first half on top 46-41.  The intermission did wonders on both accounts as Sioux Falls grabbed the lead on the heels of 15-24 shooting in the third period.  However, the game hinged on the last 18.6 seconds with Sioux Falls in possession with the score tied at 110.  Tre Kelley found Chris Allen for a 3 from the left wing that sizzled the nylon with 3.8 seconds left that chalked up a season sweep for the Skyforce.  It’s at the conclusion of the clip so either enjoy the wait or fast forward for the fun.

Kelley and A.J. Davis each scored 19 points to lead Sioux Falls with a trio each scoring 18 including Allen, Craig Smith and DeAndre Liggins.  For Maine, former Summit League standout and Rookie of the Year candidate Frank Gaines did damage with 35 points including 12-15 from the charity stripe.

Maine will be back on the court Monday night to take on the Fort Wayne Mad Ants to finish their home slate for the season.  Sioux Falls returns to action at the Sanford Pentagon Friday night against the Texas Legends.