Canton Charge blows the doors off the Grand Rapids Drive in 126-97 victory
With a ten point lead at the end of the first quarter I became apparent that the Canton Charge (9-4), powered by the Cleveland Cavaliers, had the game well in hand as they looked in the rear view mirror at the Grand Rapids Drive (9-7) during Friday night’s 126-97 victory at the Canton Memorial Civic Center. Grand Rapids was able to post an early lead of 7-6 when Canton put it in gear with five different players contributing to an 18-4 run that put the Charge ahead by double digits that lasted to the end of the game.
This is the Charge’s third victory this season over the Drive with all three victories being at home. The 29-point margin was the fourth highest all-time for Canton.
Malik Newman led the Charge with 21 points with 8-of-15 shooting that saw 4-of-9 from the three point arc in 30 minutes of play. Sir ‘Dominic Pointer flew off the bench and added 18 points, five rebounds and two blocked shots in 23 minutes of very physical play. Tyler Cook posted 17 points with 7-of-10 with nine rebounds in 20 minutes. Marques Bolden was good for 15 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 20 minutes on the court. Dean Wade finished the night with 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in 28 minutes. Lastly, Sheldon Mac put forth 14 points and 14 assists in 20 minutes coming off the bench.
On the Drive side of the court if was Donta Hall with 21 points on 10-of-12 hooting from the floor with seven rebounds and two steals in 30 minutes. Khalil Iverson hit for 10 with six rebounds in 26 minutes. The 29 point difference matches Grand Rapids worst ever defeat that goes all the way back to March 20, 2015 when they lost 107-78.
Canton stays at home for tonight’s game against the Wisconsin Herd with tip-off at 7 p.m. The first 1,500 fans will receive an Austin Carr bobblehead. There will also be a Cav’s style 70’s throwback uniform auction that will benefit The Salvation Army. To place a bid check out the team website at www.cantoncharge.com.
The Canton Charge is part of the Cleveland Cavaliers 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 Monsters of the American Hockey League, who play their games at Rocket Mortgage Field House in downtown Cleveland.