Long Island Nets advance to ECF

The Long Island Nets, the NBA G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets, defeated the Cleveland Charge 111-107 on Friday afternoon in the NBA G League Eastern Conference Semifinals at Nassau Coliseum. Long Island will advance to host Delaware in the NBA G League Eastern Conference Finals.

Long Island center RaiQuan Gray led the way for the Nets, tallying 25 points, seven rebounds and one steal in 35 minutes. Brooklyn two-way guard Dru Smith recorded 19 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in 37 minutes. Long Island guard Jordan Bowden posted 17 points, six rebounds, two steals and one assist in 40 minutes. Brooklyn two-way guard David Duke Jr. notched 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block in 30 minutes

The two teams went back-and-forth in the first quarter, but the Nets moved quickly. Long Island closed the first quarter ahead by two, 27-25. The Nets' momentum continued into the second quarter, shooting 63.6 percent (14-of-22) from the field and 50 percent from long range (3-of-6). Long Island went into halftime ahead by 19, 64-45.

Cleveland tried to battle back in the third quarter, but despite outscoring Long Island 24-21, it was not enough. The Nets went into the final period ahead by 18, 85-69. The Charge continued to fight for the lead during the fourth quarter; however, Long Island kept its foot on the gas. The Nets went on to defeat Cleveland by four, 111-107.

Charge center Isaiah Mobley tallied 34 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two blocks in 41 minutes. Cleveland guard Sharife Cooper posted 22 points, seven assists, two rebounds and one steal in 39 minutes. Charge guard Chandler Vaudrin added 16 points, three steals and two rebounds in 27 minutes.

The Nets will face the Blue Coats on Sunday, April 2, at 8 p.m. at Nassau Coliseum in the Eastern Conference Finals on ESPNU.