BISMARCK, N.D. December 7, 2008: Sioux Falls guard Carl Elliot hit a 34 ft three point heave with the shot clock winding down to give the Skyforce a five point lead with 15.9 seconds left in the Wizards contest on Sunday night. Sioux Falls finished the first game of the season in Bismarck with a victory over Central Division rival Dakota Wizards 109-103 at the Bismarck Civic Center.

The fourth game in five days for the Wizards showed a slow start as Sioux Falls started up five quickly. Dakota who found their legs late in the first grabbed a one point lead to wrap up the first half.  The second half was just as exciting seeing 13 lead changes in the match up.

After finishing the first half with four points, Skyforce guard Frank Williams took the game into his own hands in the second half scoring 25 of his game high 29 points while dishing out six assists.

“We need to take better care of the ball”, said Wizards head coach Duane Ticknor. “We have had 41 turnovers in two games and you will never win a game with those numbers, not in this league”.

Sioux Falls extends their record to 4-1 on the season and had five players finish in double figures, three with 20 plus points. Forward Michael Joiner finished with 20 points and nine boards, while Carl Elliot hit 21 points and handed off 7 assists.

The Wizards fall to 1-4 on the season and were led by guard Dehnam Brown with 23 points. Forward Renaldo Major hit 21 and forward Marcus Hubbard had 17 points in the loss.

The Wizards hit the road this week as they head to take on the Idaho Stampede on Wednesday. Sioux Falls is also on a road stint headed to Austin for a match up with the Toro’s on Tuesday. 

For more information the Dakota Wizards or to find out how to get your group into the game, log on to www.dakotawizards.com or call (701) 258-2255 for more information.