Cleveland Charge gets swept by Ontario Clippers in overtime
It was Bibblehead Night at the Wolstein Center as 3,676 fans gathered to honor Mayor Justin Bibb as well as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio. One thousand and five hundred Mayor Bibb Bobbleheads were given out to the fans as they entered the Wolstein Center. In spite of an enthusiastic crowd on hand the Cleveland Charge (14-13) fell once again to the Ontario Clippers (15-12), in overtime 103-100 as Ontario swept Cleveland during this two-game stand.
Cleveland led for most of the game but late in the fourth quarter Ontario closed in and took the lead. The Charge fought back and it looked as if they had the game sewed up when a disastrous penalty past the three point arch gave the Clippers an opening. Three completed foul shots later and the score was tied at 95 with.6 seconds on the clock. Cleveland in-bounded but the shot went short forcing overtime.
With the new target score overtime format it was the first team to score seven points that would win the game. In spite of Cleveland players suddenly getting the yips and missing a series of shots they still managed to get within two points at 100. Ontario in-bounded the ball and hit a long arching three pointer to win the game.
Cleveland’s Isaiah Mobley had a game high 25 points along with 10 rebounds in 33 minutes to earn him his ninth double-double of the season. Devontae Shuler bested himself with a season high 21 points with 8-of-15 in 40 minutes. Nate Hinton also earned a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards with three steals and two blocks in 35 minutes. Sharife Cooper came through with 15 points along with eight assists while Justin James added 17 points off the bench.
Six Clipper players scored in double figures with three of them hitting for 19 points (Bryan Williams, Keaton Wallace and Xavier Moon). Moussa Diabate earned a double-double with 17 points and 12 boards as well as three steals in 29 minutes.
The Cleveland Charge go on the road for a matinee game against the Motor City Cruise (Detroit Pistons) set for Wednesday, March 15th at 11:30 a.m. Fans can listen live on NEO Sports Radio on the iHeartRadio or watch the game live on the Charge mobile app.
The team returns to the Wolstein Center on March 17th (6:00 p.m. tip-off) and March 18th (7:00 p.m. tip-off) as they battle the Long Island Nets. Both games have promo giveaways. March 17th has Special MGK T-Shirts going to the first 1,000 fans as well as special MGK themed jerseys worn by the players that are being auctioned off after the game. It is also $1 dog night as well as select Charge Player autographs and post-game free throws for the fans.
March 18th is Women’s History Celebration presented by Athleta with Tye-Dye T-Shirts for the first 1,000 fans, special Rockers-themed jerseys worn by the players and auctioned off after the contest, Charge Full Team Autographs and post-game free throws for the fans. Tickets start at $5. Go to https://seatgeek.com/cleveland-charge-tickets for more information and to purchase tickets.