Cleveland Charge corral Wisconsin Herd during pivotal third quarter

The first half looked grim as the Wisconsin Herd stampeded to a ten point lead that the Cleveland Charge just could not erase. Coming back from the mid-game break the home team caught fire as 5,032 faithful looked on during the opening game for the 2023-24 NBA G League season.

Down by eight at the half, the Charge scored 39 points in the third quarter with 68% shooting from the field that included 13 from Emoni Bates. The defense also played a large role as Cleveland held Wisconsin to 22 points in the third quarter.

Cleveland Cavaliers Two-Way player Emoni Bates had a grand style debut scoring 29 points on 7-of-12 from the three point line along with six boards in 36 minutes. His fellow Two-Way player Isaiah Mobley earned a double-double with 23 points and 12 boards as well as four assists in 35 minutes. Sharife Cooper added 16 points with eight assists and three crucial steals in 35 minutes. Zhaire Smith (15 points) and Aleem Ford (14 points) also hit double figures.

For the Herd it was Stephen Thompson with 16 points in 29 minutes as six of the players hit double figures. Former Charge C. Marques Bolden scored 15 points with six rebounds in 20 minutes off the bench. Drew Timme added 15 points with Wenyen Gabriel was good for 12 points, nine rebounds and four blocks in 29 minutes.

The two teams meet again this weekend with a Sunday, November 12th game at 6:00 p.m. It’s Pozzie’s Birthday Celebration with the first 1,000 kids taking home a Mini Hoop Schedule presented by Terminix. There will be post-game autographs and free throws.