The Maine Red Claws, presented by Unum, got a strong 4th quarter and a winning performance from Justin Bibbs to lift the Red Claws to victory over the Canton Charge, 94-86. Maine (10-19) was led by Bibbs, who finished with 30 points on 9-14 shooting, including 6-10 from three-point range. John Bohannon led the bench with a season high 21 points on 9-11 shooting to go with 11 rebounds. Boston Celtics Two-Way Player P.J. Dozier added 18 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, while fellow Two-Way Player R.J. Hunter finished with 10 points and 4 boards. Canton (12-19) was led by Cleveland Cavaliers Two-Way Player Jaron Blossomgame with 28 points. Bibbs got the scoring started with a corner three. The Charge would answer by going on an 10-0 run, with Scoochie Smith burying a triple. Canton held a 10-5 lead halfway through the quarter. John Bohannon scored four buckets in the 1st quarter, and 11 of Maine's 17 points in the quarter. Canton led, 19-17, after the 1st period. In the 2nd, Dozier scored his first field goal, followed up by Hunter's first, both lay-ups. Hunter knocked in a corner three to make it a 25-24 game, and Goodwin's floater gave Maine the lead at 29-27. Bibbs and Andrew White knocked in back-to-back three's late in the half, and the Red Claws led 43-40 at the break. Maine shot 36% (15-42) from the field, and 21% (4-19) from downtown, with Bohannon leading the way with 11 points. Canton shot 33% (15-46) and 21% (3-14) from beyond the arc. The Charge opened the second half on a 10-2 run, taking a 50-45 lead. Former Red Claw Levi Randolph rattled in a three to extend the lead to 7. The Red Claws came back. Bibbs knocked in a three - plus the foul - and the 8-0 run gave Maine a 57-56 lead. Dozier's offensive takeover helped Maine maintain the lead. Goodwin's alley-oop slam capped off a 20-point quarter, and Maine led 63-60 after 3. In the 4th, Bibbs opened the quarter with a three-ball to give the Red Claws a 6 point lead. Canton scored 9 straight points, led by Jaron Blossomgame, to re-gain the lead. Smith hit a jumped to put the Charge up 3 halfway through the quarter. Bibbs tied the game at 79 with three free throws. Bibbs then buried a three, following that up with a steal and score. Bibbs knocked in another trey, scoring 11 straight points. Hunter buried a deep three, then set up Bohannon for a big slam to put the Claws up 10. Maine would run out the clock on its second straight victory. Maine shot 41% (35-85) from the field, 27% (9-33) from downtown, and 15-18 from the free throw line. Canton shot 37% (33-89) from the floor, 20% (6-30) from beyond the arc, and 14-17 from the charity stripe. The Red Claws return home for two games this weekend, Friday vs. Greensboro and Saturday vs. Wisconsin. Tickets are on sale now by calling 207-210-6655 or visiting MaineRedClaws.com. News Release
