Warriors Break through after Halftime to Stun Sioux Falls Skyforce
Visiting Santa Cruz got an important win while shoving aside the Sioux Falls Skyforce 115-98 on Wednesday night at the Sanford Pentagon.
The big push came in the third quarter when in a four minute stretch the Warriors (21-17) raced to the lead with a 19-2 run. Overall in the quarter Santa Cruz posted a 39-20 tally that stood firm for the balance of the contest.
Skyforce Head Coach Nevada Smith feels that they offensively got away from what made them successful in the first half.
“Taking bad shots, we were too deep and they were getting run-outs. They were scrambling and hitting tough shots. Our turnovers led to direct three-point shots and layups. We can’t have that especially against a good team they made us pay and they really made shots in that quarter.”
Skyforce guard Bubu Palo agrees that when the offense goes south it’s difficult for the defense to prevail.
“It was a lot more of our offense hurting our defense. It gave them confidence to make shots in transition. Then when they take those tough, guarded shots they seemed to convert. If we don’t give them those easy ones, maybe we’re able to keep that bind on them.”
The banner night belonged to Phil Pressey who secured an impressive triple double of 21 points, 19 assists and 15 rebounds. James Southerland also brought his best with 26 points and 11 rebounds.
For Sioux Falls (23-17) Keith Benson locked up his 25th double-double of the season behind 26 points and 13 rebounds. Henry Walker knocked home 6 three point baskets to finish with 18 points and Palo scored 16 with a season-high 11 assists.
Sioux Falls will square off against the Maine Red Claws on Friday night. Santa Cruz has a date on Saturday with the Reno Bighorns.