BayHawks Snap Historic Skyforce Win Streak
It took a strong fourth quarter, but the Erie BayHawks persevered to gain the 125-118 road win over the Sioux Falls Skyforce on Military Night.
In the process, Sioux Falls (17-6) will share the NBADL record of 20 consecutive regular season home victories with the Idaho Stampede. It was on February 3, 2016 against the Canton Charge that the Skyforce fell in a regular season scrum.
By jumping out to a big lead after twelve minutes, Erie (6-17) set the tone as the aggressor. Head Coach Nevada Smith noted the defensive breakdowns gave the visitors confidence.
“You can’t give up 41 points in the first quarter to a team that doesn’t average 100. Our ball screen coverage wasn’t good enough. They got us in situations where we were confused and (to fix it) we have to communicate better.”
Skyforce forward Okaro White who finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds felt that despite their record Erie can get up for the big games.
“Personnel-wise they’re one of the best in the league. This is why they were able to beat us, the D-Fenders and Raptors 905.”
White’s words are true. Five of the now seven Erie wins have come against teams that are currently leading their respective divisions.
Anthony Brown who is one of the top prospects in the NBADL led the BayHawks with 21 points and 8 rebounds. Stephen Zimmerman got 20 points, all in the first half and Kalin Lucas came off the bench to also score 20 points with 8 rebounds and 8 assists.
Briante Weber hit all three of his attempts from downtown and finished with 23 points and 5 assists. Keith Benson posted his fifteenth double-double of the season with 19 counters and 12 caroms.
Sioux Falls has one more game prior to the NBADL Showcase next week as they meet the Reno Bighorns at home on Sunday (January 15). For Erie, the Showcase awaits as they face the Greensboro Swarm on Wednesday (January 18).
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