A taut playoff-like atmosphere surrounded the matchup. The Canton Charge rose to the challenge by topping the Sioux Falls Skyforce 98-91 on Saturday afternoon.

Over 3,500 saw the important meeting at the Canton Memorial Civic Center.  If the playoffs started today, Canton (24-17) would be a Wild Card and Sioux Falls (23-19) would be the Central Division Champ.

The Charge led virtually the entire way, but could build a lead no larger than ten points. Sioux Falls took their first lead of the game early in the fourth stanza. Canton quickly blasted back to take control of the scoreboard and maintained that advantage through the duration.

Defensively, the ‘Force kept Canton uncomfortable inside and outside the paint. The home team shot below 40 percent from the floor (35-88). Numerous fouls proved more damaging as the Charge shot over four times as many free throws as the visitors.

Leading performers for Canton Stephen Holt and Jorge Gutierrez both netted 18 points. Arinze Onuaku posted a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds. Meanwhile Sioux Falls got 24 points and 7 assists from Scotty Hopson which you can get a good sample in the footage below. Two Skyforce players earned double-doubles with 14 points and 15 rebounds from Khem Birch with Byron Mullens adding 11 points and 10 boards.

Both teams have Westchester in common in their next contests. Canton meets the “Dub” Knicks at home on Tuesday. Sioux Falls will wait until Friday to face Westchester.

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