Hustle drop home regular season opener to Skyforce

The Memphis Hustle (2-4) were unable to hand the Sioux Falls Skyforce (7-0) their first loss of the season and fell in their regular season home opener 114-105 Tuesday at Landers Center.

David Johnson led the Hustle with 24 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Matthew Hurt added 22 points and nine rebounds. Two-way transfer Jacob Gilyard notched his second double-double of the season, scoring 10 points and dishing out 12 assists. Timmy Allen contributed 16 points. Davon Reed totaled 13 points and nine rebounds. Cameron McGriff totaled 11 points off the bench.

Malik Williams paced Sioux Falls with 26 points and 18 rebounds. Alondes Williams tallied 23 points and seven assists. Cole Swider contributed 20 points. Bryson Warren added 16 points off the bench.

Memphis led 98-97 with five minutes remaining before the Skyforce scored the next six points as part of a 13-2 run that gave Sioux Falls the lead for good.

Sioux Falls scored 19 points off turnovers to Memphis’ 12 and outscored Memphis 15-6 in second chance points.

The Hustle home stand continues Thursday, Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. as they host the Birmingham Squadron.