by GLEN GRUNWALD
WICHITA, Kan.-The Wichita Sky Kings, playing in front of their largest home crowd of the season estimated to be between 5,000 to 6,000 fans used a strong second half effort from Derrick Colter and Jachai Simmons, the Sky Kings defeated St. Louis 105-95,
A huge crowd lined up outside Koch Arena early to get a chance to meet and greet KC Chiefs star wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. MVS signed autographs and greeted fans prior to the game, at half-time and even during the game for fans in attendance.
Wichita took a quick 16-8 lead over the Griffins in the first quarter and enjoyed a half-time lead of 51-48. St. Louis came back strong in the second half to lead on several occasions before Derrick Colter got hot from the outside for the Sky Kings. Colter was 3 for 3 from the arch to help Wichita lead going into the fourth quarter by six points 79-73.
Travares Sledge combined for 47 St. Louis points on the night. Sledge had 28 points to lead the Griffins. Boyd scored 19 before fouling out late in the game.
Wichita put six players in double digit scoring led by Simmons 20 point night. Brandon Watkins and Isaac Johnson continue to dominate the boards for the Sky Kings each near to a double-double with nine rebounds each. Boyd had a double-double for the Griffins with 19 points and 11 rebounds in a losing cause.
The Sky Kings are now 11-3, bouncing back from last Sunday's overtime loss to Enid. Wichita will host the division leading Potawatomi Fire from Shawnee, Oklahoma Saturday night with a 7pm tip before traveling to Enid, Oklahoma for a Sunday afternoon rematch versus the Outlaws.
Wichita is now tied for 2nd in the Central Division with Shreveport after the Mavericks were defeated by Potawatomi Friday night.
NOTES: Wichita parted ways with Teddy Allen as Allen returned to Canada. Wichita contracted with strong forward Brian Bridgeforth from Washington. DC and activated Devon Andrews on the Sky Kings roster.
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