Coming off a recent road loss in Sioux Falls, the Skyforce made a trip to Illinois for a return game against Windy City. Another tough test for the Bulls with the Skyforce visiting, who currently sit in second place in the central division. They are lead by former North Carolina Tar Heel standout and NBA pro Nassir Little.
Bulls enter the game shorthanded, missing Adama Sanogo, Javon-Freeman Liberty and E.J. Liddell, so guys will have to step up and make best of their minutes. Marcus Domask is a player that could help himself a lot with a good showing.
Both teams were keeping it close, trading buckets, for the first half of the opening quarter. Domask having a hot start to the game with eleven points. Bulls ball movement has been on point, leading to easy baskets near the rim.
In the final seconds of the quarter the Bulls catch a break with a silly foul on the Force, as Alex Schumacher attempted a shot at the buzzard. After an officials review and two free throws later, the Bulls close out the first quarter strong and head into the second with a 30-22 lead.
The Force found a groove by driving into the paint, but the three-ball was going in for the Bulls in this first half, to keep the lead intact. Marcus DOMASK can’t miss from three! Huge first half for Domask, 19 points to lead all scorers. Bulls head into the half with a double digit lead.
If the Bulls can keep this momentum, as they did going into halftime in the previous game, they have a great chance of coming out with a win.
Sioux Falls started off the third quarter more aggressive and were able to start cutting into the Bulls lead. A double digit lead cut into single digits. A sharper defense from the Force being one of the main reasons for it. The Bulls continue to shoot the three-ball at a high clip, but that didn’t stop the Skyforce from storming back and taking a 83-79 lead heading into the fourth.
The fourth quarter intensity is what will decide this game. Both teams diving on the floor for loose balls, hustling and bustling. Gotta ride Domask’s hot hand till the end of this game.
It’s a nail-biter down the final stretch. Windy City down three with a 1:17 to go in the game. Bulls turnover the ball with under 1 minute, followed by a stop and a airball three by DJ Staward.
Windy City melted in crunch time and ended up giving away the game. Disappointing ending to a game the Bulls controlled for the most part. A bad third quarter ended up doing them in. 114-111 loss to the Skyforce, in a game they were in full control of, that they let slip away.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
This was a clear one. Marcus Domask had his best game as a pro. He was lights out in the first half, with 19 points. He didn’t seem to get the touches and attempts in the second half, which was surprising. He ended up with 23 on the night, so the collapse might be attributed in the lack of involvement for Domask in the second half. The final stat line had him 10 for 10 from the field on the night. Impressive.
UP NEXT:
A quick turnaround for Windy City awaits, as the Indiana Mad Ants come to town for a Sunday matinee.