Paul's late bucket pushes Charge past Maine

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:55 p.m. ET

foxsports

Brandon Paul's layup with 6.7 seconds left was the difference as the Canton Charge (10-7), presented by SecureData 365 and powered by the Cleveland Cavaliers, defeated the Maine Red Claws (12-3), 96-95, at the Portland Expo Building on Sundayafternoon. Canton snaps a franchise best eight-game winning streak for Maine and ties the season series between the teams at two wins apiece.

The Charge held a 79-74 lead heading into the fourth and maintained their advantage for the first 6:14 of the quarter. Andre Stringer put the Red Claws back on top with a three-pointer amidst a 17-4 run, and Maine led 93-87 with 3:31 left.

Canton responded immediately by scoring the next seven points of the game to go up 94-93 when Michael Dunigan tipped in a loose offensive rebound. The Red Claws executed off the ensuing timeout when Tim Frazier got deep near the restricted area to hit a four-foot jumper. Canton drew up a counter of their own in a 20-second timeout, as Paul knifed through the lane, spun to his left scooped in the eventual game winner.

Paul finished with 20 points on 4-of-7 from three-point range and two steals in 38 minutes. Arinze Onuaku posted his eighth double-double in 11 games with 17 points, 12 rebounds and two steals in 41 minutes. Stephen Holt poured in a season-high 23 points on 10-of-14 shooting with four assists and three steals in 37 minutes. Dunigan added 15 points, five boards and two steals in 36 minutes.

Six Maine players scored in double figures, led by Chris Babb's 16 points and eight rebounds in 36 minutes. Tim Frazier finished with 15 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals in 37 minutes. Boston Celtics assignment James Young netted 15 points in 33 minutes.