Charge win again!

Photo via Cleveland Charge

Cleveland Oh. –  Like their big brothers in the NBA, the Cleveland Charge are starting to find a groove and making some strides. The Charge defeated the Delaware Blue Coats 101-95. The Charge were led by Sharife Cooper with 24 and 11 assist, while Isaiah Mobley ended with 20 and 14 rebounds.

It was a complete effort as the Charge had six players in double figures. In games past, the Charge have come out slow, but tonight they came out and matched the level. Coach Mike Gerrity said after the game, “We have been just trying to build and take steps. Shots fell early, which helps, but I just thought the defense was there, the physicality was there from the jump.”

The defense, which held the Blue Coats to only 24 points in the first quarter, and 19 in the fourth, was spear headed by Cooper who Coach Gerrity said had his best defensive game of the year. Cooper also limited his turnovers. With an 11:2 ratio, Cooper is starting to round into form. Earlier in the year, he wasn’t playing how he wanted to, but over the last he’s averaging 22 points and almost 8 assist. Despite not always having the usual starters in the games with him, Cooper is still producing at a level and keeping the Charge afloat. Tonight was no different. Getting everyone involved and having to play heavy minutes due to the trade earlier tonight of backup point guard Olin Carter, Cooper has been playing heavy minutes.  But he has taken it in stride and handled it well.

Isaiah Mobley was also very good tonight. His double double helped the Charge control the paint. Mobley is one of the smartest and most versatile players on the team. He plays inside and out and has a knack for being in the right places. It may seem insignificant, but focusing on the details is what Mobley and the Charge have been focusing on. “It takes a lot of little things for us to win, and I think we’re starting to capitalize on them, it’s just a matter of doing it every night.”  

Tonight, they did. Holding the Blue Coats to 95 points and 38% shooting, the Charge were everywhere tonight. They will look to continue their winning ways on Sunday as they take on the Blue Coats Sunday at 3pm. It will be Captain America night and the Charge will wear special jerseys.