The Salt Lake City Stars raced out to an early lead over the Cleveland Charge and never looked back in a lopsided 123-97 victory on Tuesday night at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. The Stars knocked down 18 three-pointers on a night where they shot 40 percent from beyond the arch (18-45 3PA), including five three-point makes in the first quarter, helping them to a 35-26 lead after the opening frame. Carsen Edwards led the Stars with 25 points, six rebounds and six assists. Elijah Hughes scored 12 of his 22 points in the first quarter as he helped the Stars to a 58-53 halftime lead. Justin James paced the Charge with a game-high 26 points including a converted and-one opportunity with 11:03 left in the third quarter that cut the Stars lead to 58-61. Salt Lake City answered right back with an 8-0 run to push their lead back to 11. Derrick Alston Jr. scored 14 of his 18 points in the second half as he caught fire in the third quarter and helped the Stars stretch their lead over the Charge. The Stars stayed hot in the fourth quarter as the team shot 66.7 percent (14-21 FGA) from the field, including five more shots from deep, on their way to a convincing win in their first game at the AT&T NBA G League Winter Showcase. The Stars will be back in action tomorrow night to conclude their two-game set at the Winter Showcase as they match up against the reigning NBA G League champion Lakeland Magic at 6 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN+. The Charge will face the Stockton Kings tomorrow at 7 p.m. (MDT). Salt Lake City Stars News Release
