Both teams laid claim to frustration and elation as the Sioux Falls Skyforce exploded in the fourth quarter to beat the Reno Bighorns 134-121 Sunday night at the Sanford Pentagon.

Reno (9-15) led at each of the first three quarter stops including an eleven-point bulge after three periods. In that final stretch, Sioux Falls (18-6) outpaced the visitors 43-19 to secure the win.

Skyforce Head Coach Nevada Smith said he finally found the elusive mix of players to make the move in that defining moment.

“For three quarters, it didn’t (work). We kept searching for a lineup combination that would talk tough. (That fourth quarter group) played, communicated and got physical to hustle after loose balls. That’s what we need everyone to do. Hopefully the guys that weren’t in got to see what those guys did and carry that momentum into the Showcase.”

Guard Marcus Posley kept Sioux Falls within reach by hitting 6 of 10 from deep to end up with a career high 30 points. Posley was also part of that closing group that turned the game around.

“Down the stretch, we took the challenge on defense. Earlier in the game it was unacceptable to allow teams to come in here and put up big numbers. We held each other accountable in that huddle. In trying to bounce back from Friday (loss to Erie), we should come out with more intensity at the start. Every game we fight down to the end.”

Keith Benson led Sioux Falls with 31 points and 11 rebounds and Jabril Trawick supplied 21 points. For Reno, Lamar Patterson led five players in double figures with 26 points and 11 rebounds.

These two teams will meet again at the NBADL Showcase on Thursday in Mississauga, Ontario. Coach Smith feels that could be an advantage.

“I actually like that we play these guys next. They will have some assignees for the Showcase. We know what they want to do. We just have to do a better job of guarding it.”


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