The Canton Charge have taken an important step toward their quest for a D-League title in just their third season.
With former Cavaliers such as Shane Edwards and Arinze Onuaku leading the way, the Charge defeated the visiting Sioux Falls Skyforce, 99-86, in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
Edwards scored a game-high 29 points on 14-of-19 shooting, while Onuaku finished with 21 points and 19 rebounds. Onuaku's rebound total was a Charge playoff record.
"We knew that we had to come out with great energy and we knew we had to punch first," said Charge coach Steve Hetzel. "I think our guys did a great job of going at it and we took care of business. We did what we had to do and now it's time to move on to the next game."
The Charge led by just one point with 4:44 to play, but went on a 12-0 run to extend their lead to 94-81 in the closing moments.
Cavaliers assignee Scotty Hopson added 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting off the bench. Former NBA forward Craig Smith led the Skyforce with 24 points.
Game 2 is Saturday at Sioux Falls at 8 p.m.
