The Sioux Falls Skyforce rebounded from a slow start and defeated the expansion Maine Red Claws 112-95 in the season opener for both teams. The Skyforce won their first game of the season for the first time since the 2005-06 season.

After trailing by 11 points in the early going the Skyforce fought back to take a 51-46 halftime thanks to a 15-2 run in the final four minutes of the second quarter. The final points of the run came on a Michael Joiner 3-pointer just before the halftime buzzer that sent 4,915 fans into a frenzy.

The Skyforce did not relinquish the lead in the second half as Tony Fritz picked up a win in his first game as a professional head coach.

Reggie Williams led all scorers with 29 points on 10-of-13 shooting from the field. Keith Brumbaugh posted 18 points and eight rebounds while Michael Joiner added 16.

Boston Celtics assignee Bill Walker recorded a double-double with a team-high in points (25) and rebounds (11). NBA D-League veteran Billy Thomas scored 18 points behind 3-of-4 shooting from the 3-point line.

Both teams will now head north as Dakota hosts Maine in their season opener tomorrow night at 7 p.m. CT and Sioux Falls on Sunday at 3 p.m. CT.

Courtesy: Brett Hansen, Sioux Falls Skyforce