Despite 40 points by Tony Mitchell, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants were beaten by Santa Cruz 124-118 in Game 1 of their Best of 3 series in the first round of D-League Playoffs.Ron howard returned from a broken hand and chipped in with 22 points as the Ants now head to Santa Cruz for Game 2 Saturday in a 10:00 tip. Game 3, if necessary, would take place on Sunday.