Skyforce Ride off with Road Win at Rio Grande Valley
Each team owned a half, but the Sioux Falls Skyforce shined after intermission in a 135-129 victory on Wednesday night over the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in Hidalgo, Texas.
During the first half, too many Sioux Falls (17-5) turnovers led to extra opportunities for the Vipers who took an 11 point lead into halftime (68-57). The script flipped in the third quarter when Rio Grande Valley (15-9) committed 8 turnovers in the third quarter alone.
In the fourth, Sioux Falls gradually pulled away with a 7-0 run spurred by Briante Weber who finished with his fourth triple double of the season (31 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, 5 steals) which included a career high in points.
Also notable for the Skyforce were the performances of Keith Benson (24 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks), Okaro White (24 points, 3 steals, 2 blocks) and Patrick Miller (23 points, 6 rebounds). Plus for the first time since late November, Sioux Falls had the services of Stefan Jankovic who recorded 5 points in 8 minutes.
For the Vipers, Kyle Wiltjer was top man with 27 points. Darious Morris was next with 22 points and 11 assists with Gary Payton II supplying 21 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists.
Sioux Falls returns home Friday to face the Erie BayHawks. RGV will visit Texas on Friday also.