Charge Lose to Mad Ants

Photo via Cleveland Charge

Cleveland Oh. – The Charge are on a four-game losing streak. These things happen, but for a team as talented as the Charge, this shouldn’t be happening. The Mad Ants, the Pacers affiliate, came in and won two in a row winning Thursday night’s contest, 116-100, and then Friday they win even bigger 146-117.

It wasn’t pretty. Plain and simple. But there were things that Coach was eager to get to discuss. The overall message was, the Charge are looking to play a similar style as the Mad Ants. The Charge talked about it after the game, with Coach Gerrity opening the floor for the players to say their piece and figure out if the Charge can get the ship righted.

Tonight’s game was one of those nights where everything dropped for the Mad Ants. They hit 59.1% of their threes. Made 26 total. That’s insane!!!! Kyle Mangas led the way with 31 points for the Mad Ants. But it was a total team effort as they had seven of the eight players who played finish the game with double figures. Meanwhile the Charge were led by Pete Nance with 22 and 8 rebounds, while Sharife Cooper scored 17.

The Charge were missing Isaiah Mobley who is traveling with the Cavs, and Aleem Ford who is out with a back injury. While those are two of the Charges better players, the Charge know they have to continue playing the right way even when they are missing guys. The Mad Ants were missing guys too, so Coach G wasn’t making any excuses. “That’s a really good team, and they have guys with a lot of experience. They play the right way.”  

In happier news, Emoni Bates continues to grow as a player. He didn’t have his best night shooting the ball, but the G League’s leading scorer continues to show how he is improving as a play maker and being better defensively. Pete Nance is developing a nice two-man game with Sharife Cooper. There are signs that this team will be fine. The gelling is taking a little longer than expected though. But its ok. All is not lost. The Charge get a few days to practice, and then head to Iowa to take on the Iowa Wolves before heading to Orlando for the G League Showcase. After that, the season starts as the Charge make a push for the playoffs. So, there is time. But the time is now. And the Charge are ready to take on the challenge.