By: Nick Bailey
The Charlotte Crown (17-10) kept their historic run going Wednesday, defeating the Savannah Steel (7-19) 85-73 at Bojangles Coliseum, extending the longest winning streak in UPSHOT League history to eight games.
Charlotte led wire-to-wire, never allowing Savannah to tie the game or take a lead. The Crown held the advantage for all 39 minutes and 44 seconds, building a lead as large as 16 in the fourth quarter and never letting the Steel get comfortable.
Reigan Richardson led Charlotte with 16 points, while Deja Kelly added 15 and KK Deans chipped in 14. The Crown got contributions up and down the roster; bench players combined for 33 points, and Charlotte generated 19 points off turnovers and seven second-chance points to Savannah’s two.
Free-throw shooting continued to be a strength, with the Crown connecting on 27-of-33 from the stripe at 81.8 percent. Charlotte also won the rebounding battle 36-31 and held a 30-28 edge in paint points.
With the victory, the Crown have officially clinched their spot in the UPSHOT League Championship, which will be held on August 29, in Jacksonville, FL.
The Crown will see the Steel again for their next game on Saturday, August 9 at 4 p.m. at Bojangles Coliseum.