Cleveland Charge turns out the lights on the Wisconsin Herd with weekend sweep
It was a very vocal 3,228 fans who gathered to witness a weekend sweep by the Cleveland Charge against the Wisconsin Herd to start the 2023-24 season on Sunday evening.
The game was close throughout as both teams traded the lead multiple times. Late in the fourth quarter, Cleveland got a small edge with a three pointer by Sharife Cooper and managed to hang on to the final buzzer.
It was Pozzi’s Birthday Celebration with all of the kids receiving a gift of a miniature basketball back board, hoop and ball. Mascots from all of the area teams also showed up to help in the festive celebrations. During a time out late in the game as Pozzi won a round of musical chairs all of the lights in the Wolstein Center suddenly went out. Everyone remained calm as eventually power was restored and the game continued after a short fifteen minute delay.
On the court it was Cleveland’s Sharife Cooper leading the way with 25 points and six assists in 31 minutes of play. Pete Nance earned his first professional double-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in 34 minutes. Zhaire Smith added 19 points to the score with seven boards and two steals in 36 minutes. The scoring was rounded out with Rob Edwards adding 15 points and nine rebounds in relief and Devontae Shuler coming off the bench with 11 points in 19 minutes.
For the Herd, all five starters hit double figures as Elijah Hughes led the way with 17 points and six rebounds in 28 minutes. Former Charge C Marques Bolden earned a double-double of 19 points and 10 remounds in 25 minutes.
For the record, Cleveland has won a total of eight straight games over the Herd with six of the victories being consecutive at home wins. The Charge now goes on the road for a four game schedule with their first stop at Sioux Falls against the Skyforce on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
The next home game will be on December 27, 2023 against the Grand Rapids Gold with tip off at 7:00 p.m. For tickets and more information go to https://cleveland.gleague.nba.com/