SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Interstat) — The Sioux Falls Skyforce used a dominant first quarter and a prolific offensive performance to defeat the Salt Lake City Stars 122-110 in a G League matchup Saturday night at the Sanford Pentagon.

The Skyforce established control early, racing to a 30-22 lead after the opening period behind a powerful inside performance from center Vladislav Goldin. The 7-footer scored eight of Sioux Falls’ first 18 points, connecting on multiple alley-oop finishes that set the tone. Salt Lake City struggled to find an answer in the paint as the Skyforce shot efficiently and capitalized on early Stars turnovers.

Sioux Falls extended its lead in a high-scoring second quarter, which ended with a dramatic buzzer-beater. After a Salt Lake City turnover with 23 seconds left, the Skyforce worked the clock down. Gabe Madsen of Rochester, Minnesota, collected a loose ball and launched a running 61-foot pull-up jumper that swished through the net as the horn sounded, giving Sioux Falls a 69-61 halftime advantage. The shot survived a coach’s challenge and sent the home team into the break with significant momentum.

The third quarter saw the Skyforce continue to apply pressure, stretching their lead to as many as 15 points. Guard Jahmir Young orchestrated the offense effectively, finding teammates for open looks while also creating his own scoring opportunities. Salt Lake City, led by forward Cameron McGriff, managed to keep pace offensively but could not put together the sustained defensive stops needed to cut deeply into the deficit.

Entering the fourth quarter with a 100-87 lead, Sioux Falls sealed the victory with a decisive 10-2 run midway through the final period. After a Josh Christopher free throw put the Skyforce up 110-105, he followed with a steal and an alley-oop dunk from Trevor Keels. On the next possession, a 3-pointer from Keels, assisted by Young, pushed the lead to 115-105 with 7:03 remaining, forcing a Salt Lake City timeout. The Stars could not recover from that sequence, never pulling closer than eight points the rest of the way.

Young was instrumental for Sioux Falls, facilitating the offense with precision and contributing key baskets. Christopher provided scoring punch on the wing, while Goldin’s early interior presence was a major factor. For Salt Lake City, McGriff offered consistent offense from the perimeter and forward Matthew Cleveland was active on both ends, but the Stars’ defense could not contain the Skyforce’s balanced attack.

The most critical phase of the game was the final minute of the first half, culminating in Madsen’s heave. That shot transformed what could have been a manageable eight-point halftime deficit into a demoralizing 12-point hole for the Stars, and the Skyforce carried that energy into a strong second-half start to maintain firm control.

With the win, Sioux Falls improved its season record to 15-10. Salt Lake City fell to 17-9. The two teams are scheduled for a rematch at the Sanford Pentagon on Sunday.