As they have managed to do all season, the Canton Charge took fire in the fourth quarter to race to victory over the Santa Cruz Warriors, 104-93. This sixth victory in a row puts their season record to 12-8 while dropping the Warriors to 9-6. This win gives the Charge a Showcase record of 2-0 and is the only match-up between the two teams during the regular season.
After keeping the score tight in the start of the game, Santa Cruz went on a tear and ended up ahead at the end of the first quarter with a 8-0 run and led 30-22 at the first buzzer. Canton fought back to tie but still ended up short at the half with Taylor Griffin of the Warriors sinking eight out of their thirteen points for Santa Cruz who lead by six at the half.
Things evened out in the third as each squad kept pace with 21 points each and Santa Cruz maintained their lead going into the fourth. It was here that Canton made their move with a 13-2 run in just 3:09 to take the lead for the first time since the first quarter when they lead with 6:07 left. This momentum carried on to the end of the match and the Charge outscored the Warriors 35-18 in the fourth to bring the win. Canton was 10-of-15 for 67% from the field in the fourth and hit 14-of-16 foul shots. They are now 5-1 this season when trailing at halftime.
Seven Charge players scored in double figures, the most this season, led by Kyle Gibson’s third-straight 20+ point game. He finished with 23 points on 6-of-12 shooting, including 9-of-10 from the free throw line, three rebounds and one steal in 37 minutes. Alex Ruoff added 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting, four rebounds, four assists and one steal in 29 minutes off the bench. Micheal Eric notched his fourth double-double of the year with 13 points, 10 rebounds and one block in 29 minutes. JaJuan Johnson had 10 points, six rebounds, three steals and three blocks in relief off the bench.
Griffin finished with 23 points, six rebounds and two steals in 36 minutes for Santa Cruz. Stefhon Hannah had 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting with three assists, three steals and seven turnovers in 37 minutes. Mickell Gladness made his presence felt in the middle with six points, seven rebounds and five blocks in 23 minutes. Chris Johnson came off the bench to add 17 points, five rebounds and three blocks in 29 minutes. Canton outrebounded Santa Cruz 46-32 in the game.
The Charge return home to the Civic Center for their next game on Saturday, January 12th at 7:30 p.m. against the Iowa Energy for Faith & Family Night. Tickets start as low as $7 with $1 hot dogs presented by Sugardale, postgame autographs presented by FirstEnergy Solutions and a postgame concert featuring Christian rock band, Shine Bright Baby. For more info and to purchase tickets, fans can head to www.CantonCharge.com.
For a full stat book from the game, head here: http://is.gd/BN0sQT.
Fans can stay up-to-date on team news by following the team at: @CantonCharge on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CantonCharge and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CantonCharge.- CantonCharge.com -
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