Rio Grande Valley 125, Sioux Falls 120
SIOUX FALLS, SD -- The Rio Grande Vipers defeated the Sioux Falls Skyforce 125-120 Tuesday night at the Sioux Falls Arena. Rio Grande Valley won the shoot-out despite Sioux Falls connecting on a season-high 14 3-pointers.
Rio Grande Valley (13-9) took charge in the first quarter as Kelvin Lewis and Greg Smith scored 10 points apiece, doing most of their damage in the paint. After one quarter Rio Grande Valley led 32-24. Things didn’t get much better for Sioux Falls (6-16) in the second quarter as Rio Grande Valley built their lead to 65-51 at halftime behind aggressive outlet passes and transition buckets.
Sioux Falls flipped the script on Rio Grande Valley in the third quarter, matching their aggressive play. Sioux Falls outscored Rio Grande Valley by 15 points in the third to take a 90-89 lead into the fourth. Patrick Ewing, Jr. scored 17 of his 25 points in the third.
Rio Grande Valley once again took control early in the fourth quarter with a 13-3 run. Sioux Falls battled their way back and cut the deficit to three (123-120) with a layup by Ewing, Jr. with 24.1 seconds left in the game. Dominique Coleman and Trey Gilder trapped Willie Warren at half-court and a jump ball was called with 17.6 seconds left. Gilder won the tip and Gabe Pruitt missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer with 2.1 seconds to go. Damian Saunders secured the rebound and converted both free throws to ice the game.
Smith had a monster double-double with 28 points and 13 rebounds. Ben Uzoh contributed a double-double of his own with 23 points and 12 rebounds while also adding seven assists.
Ewing, Jr. had his finest game since being re-acquired, finishing with season-highs in points (25) and rebounds (5) to go along with four assists in a reserve role. Casey Mitchell posted season-highs in points (31) and assists (6) off the bench.
Rio Grande Valley continues their road trip with a matchup against Reno at 9 p.m. CT.
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