The Canton Charge led wire to wire throughout a 90-81 victory over the Springfield Armor at the MassMutual Center on Thursday night. The win was Canton’s third-straight and improved their record to 9-8, while Springfield dropped to 4-9.
The Charge worked seamlessly on offense in the first quarter, hitting 12-of-18 shots for 67% from the field, outscoring the Armor 32-15. Kyle Gibson scored 11 by himself on 5-of-6 shooting in the opening period, as the Charge also dished out 11 assists as a team. Canton continued their offensive efficiency in the second quarter with 65% shooting and pulled ahead by as many as 21, but Springfield kept pace by outscoring the visitors 28-25 in the quarter. The Charge led 57-43 at the half.
The game’s theme switched to defense in the second half, as Canton took just 14 shots in the third quarter coupled with nine turnovers, but the Charge still held a 76-63 lead entering the game’s final 12 minutes. The Armor could never come close despite holding Canton to 14 fourth quarter points and outscoring the Charge in each of the game’s final three periods, and Canton would increase their edge in the season series to 3-1.
Jon Leuer, just assigned to the team late this afternoon from the Cleveland Cavaliers, came in to post his fifth double-double of the year with 14 points on 7-of-13 shooting with 11 rebounds and one steal in 36 minutes. Gibson finished with a game-high 16 points with four rebounds and three assists in 34 minutes. In his first action with the Charge this season since being acquired last week, JaJuan Johnson added 13 points, eight rebounds and two steals in 23 minutes of relief off the bench.
Dennis Horner made his return to Springfield to score a team-high 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting with five rebounds and three steals in 37 minutes off the bench in his first action of the season after signing with the Armor earlier today. Carleton Scott added 14 points with seven rebounds, three assists and three steals in 41 minutes. James Mays, the D-League’s leading rebounder averaging 12.2 per game, grabbed just four tonight with 13 points in 28 minutes. The Charge outrebounded the Armor 39-28 on the night.
Canton will be back in action on Saturday, January 5th when they visit the Maine Red Claws at 7:00 p.m.
Canton Charge Injury Update
During practice, Charge center Arinze Onuaku collided knees with a teammate and experienced continued soreness in his left knee into today. He was evaluated by the Charge medical staff, diagnosed with a knee contusion and did not dress for tonight’s game. He is listed as day-to-day and his status will be updated as appropriate.
Cleveland Cavaliers assign Leuer to Canton Charge
The Cleveland Cavaliers have assigned forward Jon Leuer to the Canton Charge, the Cavaliers exclusively owned and operated NBA Development League team, Cavaliers General Manager Chris Grant announced today from Cleveland Clinic Courts.
Leuer has played in five games this season for the Cavs, averaging 3.2 points and 2.0 rebounds in 14.4 minutes per game. He has appeared in six games (all starts) for the Charge this season, averaging 20.3 points on .545 shooting and 12.3 rebounds in 35.8 minutes per game, helping the Charge go 5-1 in those games.
Leuer is the fourth assignment by the Cavaliers this season and eighth overall in Canton's history. He is expected to join the team and be available for tonight's game at Springfield against the Armor at 7:00 p.m.
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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