Canton Charge takes a late game surge to defeat the Long Island Nets
The Canton Charge (3-6), powered by the NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers, fought through a double digit deficit in order to defeat the Long Island Nets (2-8) 89-85 during a Saturday night contest at the Canton Memorial Civic Center. In the first-ever season series between the two teams Canton leads with a 2-1 edge with the final contest set for February 8, 2017.
It started out as all Charge as they hit a 9-0 run in the beginning 3:12 of the game at one point leading by as much as 11 in the opening period. Canton defense was the key as the nets were held to 33% shooting. The Nets fought back to within 2 points as the first quarter ended as Canton could only muster 32% with 6-out-of 19 shooting.
Long Island hit their stride in the second quarter as they continued a strong defense with a 13-4 run leading by as much as 11 in the quarter with 52% shooting. At the half it was Long Island leading 44-35.
Canton’s Kevin Olekaibe took charge in the third hitting for 11 points that included 3-of-4 three pointers that got the crowd back into the game. Chris Evans added 10 points in the third as the dynamic duo made 12-of-16 from the floor for 75% as the home team went into the final period ahead 68-65.
Long Island quickly tied up the game at 70 all with a Gary Forbes layup but Canton fought back with a 7-0 run taking a 77-70 lead with 6:23 left on the clock. The Nets fought hard with a 13-4 run retaking the lead 83-81. Chris Evans hit for three to get the lead back home with 43.6 remaining as the Charge scored on their final five possessions to insure the victory.
To Charge scorer was Quinn Cook with 27 points, six rebounds and four assists in 40 minutes of play. Eric Moreland added 11 points with nine rebounds and a Charge season high five steals with his first time in a Charge uniform. Olekaibe and Evans tied at 18 points each for the night.
For the men in blue it was McCullough who led with 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting with 11 boards and two steals in 38 minutes. Trahson Burrell posted a double-double for the Nets with 11 points and 10 rebounds in 40 minutes of time on the wood. Boris Dallo scored 12 points with 8 boards from the point guard position.
The Canton Charge remain home for Wednesday, December 7th against the Texas Legends with a quick Friday road trip to Chicago against the Windy City Bulls on Friday, December 9th and returning Saturday, December 10th for a home game against the Erie BayHawks that features a Cavaliers Championship Cap Giveaway. Tickets start at just $8.