Canton Charge fight their way back to an overtime victory over the Lakeland Magic
In the greatest comeback game of the season if not in franchise history Canton Charge (12-18), powered by the Cleveland Cavaliers overcame two double digit deficits (19 and 21 points) against the Lakeland Magic to tie the game at 97 with a thrilling three point toss with just 3.9 seconds left. Canton then clawed their way to victory as they fought hard in the paint to hold the Magic scoreless during the two minute overtime period. The final score of 103-97 on Friday at the Canton Memorial Civic Center boosted their record to 12-18 while Lakeland went to 15-14.
Very few of the exuberant fans left even though Canton struggled throughout the game with a mere 39% shooting from the field in the first half that included a paltry 18% from the three point arc (3-of-17). Lakeland had Canton’s number early on as they forced 11 turnovers that resulted in 19 points. Magic guard Rodney Purvis was their hot shooter of the half hitting for 15 points. With 39.7 seconds left in the half, Canton found the right chemistry as the Charge roared back with an 8-0 run as they cut the lead to single digits at 50-41.
After the break, the Magic came back hot and pushed their lead to as high as 21 with 8:32 left in the game but Canton was not to be denied as John Holland and Portland Trail Blazers’ assignee Caleb Swanigan began hitting baskets. It was Holland’s 3 point throw from the arc that tied the game.
Charge forward JaCorey Williams forced a steal from Purvis 17 seconds into OT as Lakeland hit a tidal wave of defense that saw all four tries miss. Canton sealed the deal with free throws by Williams.
Holland scored a team-high 21 points in 37 minutes. Perrantes recorded his fourth double-double of the season, scoring 16 points and dishing 15 assists. Swanigan posted his team-leading ninth double-double of the season with 18 points and 13 rebounds on 7-of-11 shooting from the field. JaCorey Williams provided 18 points and eight rebounds. Marcus Thornton came off the bench for just the fourth time this season and netted 15 points in 33 minutes of relief.
Orlando Magic two-way player Adreian Payne posted a double-double with 21 points and 18 rebounds in 33 minutes for the Magic. Purvis matched Payne’s total with 21 points of his own on 8-of-18 shooting in 43 minutes. Jamel Artis added 14 points and seven boards in 42 minutes. Signed on January 25th, Ohio University product Antonio Campbell was in attendance but did not play.
The Canton Charge returns tonight to the Canton Memorial Civic Center to take on the Greensboro Swarm (Charlotte Hornets) who are 9-21. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. It’s Youth Basketball Night as the Charge will be giving away Canton Charge Socks to the first 2,500 fans.
2018-19 Charge Nation Memberships are on sale NOW! Place your $100 per seat initial payment today and receive the rest of the 2017-18 season for FREE in addition to all the other great benefits of being a Charge Nation Member. Visit CantonCharge.com or call 866-444-1944 to sign up today.
The Canton Charge is part of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena organization and is also owned by a group led by Cavaliers Chairman 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.