Skyforce Streak Hits Five with Blowout Win at Westchester

Seemingly breathing as one, the Sioux Falls Skyforce excelled defensively on Saturday night. The reward was a second straight road win over the Westchester Knicks 105-80 at Westchester County Center.

Looking at the statistics beyond the points doesn’t do the game justice. Watching the performance you understand the defensive rhythm displayed by Sioux Falls (17-11) in the half court. More often than not tight rotation on help defense, shadowing cutters through the lane and active hands in the passing lanes confounded the Westchester (8-20) attack.

The ‘Force did not shoot especially well overall (39-86).  However, converting in the paint (25-46) and restricting the Knicks to 75 shots in the game built a firm foundation. Hustling for rebounds also contributed to the disparity on the scoreboard as Sioux Falls won that battle 50-34.

• Skyforce Continue Best Stretch of Season with Win at Westchester

Westchester took their final lead at 37-36 midway through the second quarter before Henry Walker and A.J. Davis keyed a run that sent Sioux Falls into the break leading 59-45. The lead slipped into single digits briefly near the end of the third period, but the outcome was rarely in doubt during the final 24 minutes.

Walker led the way for the Skyforce in multiple categories with 24 points, 4 assists and 3 steals. His array of dunks and dimes are worth a look by scrolling down. Scotty Hopson had his string of 20 plus point games snapped but still wound up with 18 points, Davis tallied 17 counters and Shawn Jones had a double-dozen (12 points, 12 rebounds).

Westchester had four players in double figures on the scoreboard.  Top man was Darnell Jackson who provided 22 points and New York assignee Cleanthony Early had a double dozen of his own with 17 points and 12 boards.

This perfect road trip now sends Sioux Falls home for a back-to-back with Canton on Friday and Saturday, February 6 and 7. Conversely, the ‘Dub’ Knicks have lost their last seven games and hope to break the string against Delaware this coming Friday.