SALT LAKE CITY, UT (KELO.com) — The Sioux Falls Skyforce defeated the Salt Lake City Stars 115-95 on Saturday evening at the Lifetime Activities Center-Bruin Arena for the team’s first win of the 2021-22 regular season.
DJ Stewart tied a career-high 30 points (12-16 FGA and 6-8 3PA) in the victory. Micah Potter added a double double (14 points and 14 rebounds) in his first game back from his NBA Call-Up with the Detroit Pistons.
Mike Smith posted a career-high 15 assists (one turnover) in the victory. Smith has totaled career-highs in assists in back-to-back games (eight against Iowa on Thursday). His 22 assists to start the regular season is good for fourth in the G League.
The Skyforce (1-1) trailed after the first 12 minutes 30-23. But a 41-20 advantage in the second quarter pushed a 64-50 lead at half.
Tarkus Ferguson had eight points in the third quarter to lead Sioux Falls, which kept Salt Lake City (0-1) in check as they looked to make a run. The Skyforce benefitted from Stewart’s 11 fourth quarter points (4-5 FGA), which secured the contest.
The victory marks back-to-back games with 40-plus points from the bench. Tarkus Ferguson (5-10 3PA) led the second unit with 19 points. It marked the second straight game with 19-plus points for Ferguson.
Martin Krampelj (13 points and 11 rebounds) added a double double, as well, while Jay Henderson (11 points) rounded out Force players in double figures scoring.
Brendan Bailey led the way for the Stars with 19 points and three assists. Tra-Deon Hollins added 11 points and 10 rebounds, as well.
Both teams will finish the two-game series on Monday night at 8:00 PM CST at the LAC-Bruin Arena.