Canton Charge unable to overcome second half surge by Grand Rapids
The Canton Charge (16-13), powered by the Cleveland Cavaliers, lost the lead and the game early in the second half as the Grand Rapids Drive (15-16) defeated them 114-107 as 3,167 fans filled the Canton memorial Civic Center this past Friday evening. This is the third defeat that the Drive had handed the charge in as many games this season with one more game scheduled between the two teams.
It was all sunshine and puppies as Canton tore out of the gates to a 38-26 lead hitting 14-of-23 (62%) from the field. Canton’s starters led by as much as 17 points in the opening twelve, scoring 36 of 38 points with 10 assists on the first 14 field goals.
Grand Rapid’s defense came alive in the second by forcing nine turnovers that were good for nine points while holding Canton to 6-of-26 (23%) shooting. Chipping away at the lead, Grand Rapids managed to get within one point s halftime came with the score 55-54.
The third quarter found the teams battling it out with five lead changes when with the score tied at 72 with 5:59 left in the third, the Drive went on a nine point scoring spree taking an 81-72 lead. Canton surged back ending the quarter on a Quinn Cook triple but down by a three as the teams went into the last leg 88-85.
The best Canton could do in the fourth was to get within two points (104-102) with 1:59 left on the clock. Grand Rapids slammed the door hard scoring on five of their final six possessions as they managed to keep the Charge at bay o the end.
Stats wise Canton’s Quinn Cook posted a third double-double of the season scoring 25 points with eleven assists with five boards and two steals in 40 minutes. Roosevelt Jones was Mr. Defense grabbing over 20 rebounds with 13 points and three steals in 41 minutes of air time. Eric Moreland was good for an additional 15 points, ten rebounds, four assists, three steals and four blocks for his 36 minutes on the floor. John Holland was high scorer with 28 points and seven boards in 40 minutes.
On the Grand Rapids end of the court Jordan Crawford tied the game high with 28 points, six assists and three steals in 37 minutes along with Kevin Murphy who matched the 28 points in 35 minutes. On assignment from the Detroit Pistons, Henry Ellenson scored 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting with 12 rebounds and two blocks in 36 minutes. Fellow Piston teammate Michael Ginije made good with 14 points and five boards in 35 minutes.
Canton now begins a five game road trip starting with a match-up with the Erie Bay Hawks (Orlando Magic) today at 7 p.m. Following the All-Star Break they are back home on Friday, February 24, 2017 with a game against the Delaware 87s with tip-off at 7 p.m.
Get locked in as a member of Charge Nation for the rest of the 2016-17 season and get a host of benefits that start immediately! For Charge Nation Memberships, game day promotions and up-to-date information, head towww.CantonCharge.com or call 866-444-1944.
The Canton Charge is part of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena organization and also owned by a group led by Cavaliers Majority Owner and Quicken Loans Founder and Chairman Dan Gilbert. The group also owns and operates the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League and the Cleveland Monsters of the American Hockey League, both of which play their games at Quicken Loans Arena in downtown Cleveland.