Santa Cruz Warriors Strike Down Cleveland Charge, 115-110

March 2, 2023

The Santa Cruz Warriors (12-10) struck down the Cleveland Charge (13-11), 115-110, Thursday night at Kaiser Permanente Arena.

   Guard Lester Quinones, on assignment from Golden State, led the Sea Dubs with 32 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Jerome Robinson added 19 points and six assists, and guard Eli Pemberton contributed 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench for Santa Cruz tonight. 

    Forward Mamadi Diakite led the charge for Cleveland, notching 27 points and 11 rebounds. Forward Jamorko Pickett added 22 points and 10 rebounds, and guard Sharife Cooper added 20 points and 10 assists for the Charge. 

    The Warriors took an early lead to open the contest, leading by as many as 15 points. Santa Cruz maintained their advantage throughout the second quarter thanks to 25 first half points from Quinones, but Cleveland closed the gap to six points with just over two minutes left in the half. The Sea Dubs held on, heading into halftime with an eight-point lead, 63-55. 

   The Charge closed the lead to just six points again early in the third quarter, however the Warriors pulled away to head into the final frame with a 91-78 lead. With under two minutes left in the matchup, the Charge closed the gap to eight points, however Santa Cruz held on to secure the win, 115-110.