BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Interstat) — The Cleveland Charge used a dominant first quarter and a series of timely responses to Birmingham’s rallies to secure a 113-104 victory over the Squadron in a G League contest Thursday night at Legacy Arena.

The Charge established control early, opening the game on a 15-2 run and finishing the first quarter with a 34-25 lead. That early cushion proved vital as Birmingham, showing resilience despite its record, repeatedly chipped away at the deficit throughout the night.

Each time the Squadron threatened, Cleveland had an answer. After Birmingham cut the lead to 71-67 late in the third quarter, the Charge closed the period on a 16-12 spurt to carry an 85-83 advantage into the final frame. The pattern repeated in the fourth. When Hunter Dickinson’s 3-pointer brought Birmingham within 89-86, Cleveland’s Darius Brown and Jaxson Robinson hit consecutive 3-pointers to push the lead back to eight.

The most critical sequence came with just over three minutes remaining and Cleveland leading 99-98. Killian Hayes, who orchestrated the Charge offense all night, hit a step-back jumper, then followed a Birmingham turnover with a 26-foot 3-pointer on the next possession, stretching the lead to six points and effectively silencing the final Squadron threat. Birmingham would get no closer than four points the rest of the way.

Cleveland’s balance was key, with six players scoring in double figures. The Charge also won the battle on the glass and capitalized on 18 Birmingham turnovers. The Squadron were led by Trey Alexander’s scoring and playmaking, while Dickinson provided interior presence. But inconsistent shooting and defensive lapses, particularly at the start of the game and in response to Cleveland’s runs, doomed the home team.

The victory improved Cleveland’s record to 15-10, solidifying its position in the league standings. Birmingham fell to 9-21 with the loss, its fifth in the last six games.

The two teams will meet again at Legacy Arena on Saturday night.