truebluefan

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Dec. 25 - Five Skyforce players scored in double figures to help Sioux Falls get a hard-earned Christmas present as they downed Colorado 120-110 Monday night at the Sioux Falls Arena.

"It was by far the best I've ever had a team play on Christmas day," Sioux Falls Skyforce head coach Mo McHone said. "I don't think we've ever played a team that good on Christmas and played that good."

Sioux Falls (9-5) was led by center Jared Reiner with 27 points and 11 rebounds, but four other Skyforce players scored in double figures, including guard Vincent Grier with 26 and forward Andre Brown with 23. However, the 14ers (6-3) didn't go quietly into the night.

Sioux Falls amassed leads of 12 in the second quarter and 17 in the third, but Colorado battled back each time. Grier was the hot Sioux Falls player in the third as he chipped in 12 in the quarter, but the 14ers used a 10-0 run late to close the quarter down 85-78. Colorado pushed the pace behind guards Julius Hodge and Von Wafer who both had 23 points. Sioux Falls fans got to see a different Brown record a double-double as Colorado's forward Elton Brown had 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Reiner pulled down several key offensive rebounds late in the fourth quarter and Grier chipped in another 12 points as Sioux Falls preserved the win.

"I thought Vincent really played great," McHone said. "In the second half, Vincent Grier was the difference in the game."

With the victory, Sioux Falls ran their home-win streak to six games and has not lost at home since opening night to the Dakota Wizards.

"We are starting to feel good out there," Reiner said. "Early in the season we weren't gelling and we gave away a few at the end, but now we're finishing."

The Skyforce travels to Austin Thursday. Colorado hosts Anaheim Wednesday. Both tips are scheduled for 7 p.m.