CLEVELAND (Interstat) — In a high-octane G League shootout that came down to the final possession, the Cleveland Charge edged the Greensboro Swarm 140-135 on Friday night at Wolstein Center.

The game, a showcase of offensive firepower, was ultimately decided by a crucial defensive stop and clutch free throws in the closing seconds. With the Charge leading 138-135, Greensboro’s Jaylen Sims drove for a potential game-tying layup with eight seconds remaining, but his attempt missed. Cleveland’s Riley Minix secured the defensive rebound and was fouled, sinking both free throws to seal the five-point victory.

The most critical sequence of the game unfolded in the final minute. After Killian Hayes hit a 28-foot 3-pointer to give Cleveland a 136-133 lead with 1:01 left, Greensboro’s P.J. Hall answered with a driving layup and a free throw to tie the game at 136. On the ensuing possession, Cleveland’s Norchad Omier drew a foul and calmly made both free throws with 42 seconds left to restore a two-point lead. Marcus Garrett’s missed layup for Greensboro on the next trip set the stage for Minix’s game-sealing rebounds and free throws.

Hayes, the Charge’s top star, led all scorers with 38 points, adding seven assists. He was instrumental in Cleveland’s fourth-quarter execution, hitting a pair of deep 3-pointers in the final period. Omier, the center from Bluefields, Nicaragua, contributed 27 points and nine rebounds, while Darius Brown orchestrated the offense with 12 assists to go with 15 points. Minix posted a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, with his final board proving decisive.

Greensboro, which fell to 21-10, was led by a dominant double-double from Hall, who scored 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Keyontae Johnson added 25 points and Liam McNeeley scored 21. The Swarm started explosively, pouring in 46 first-quarter points, but Cleveland answered with 39 of its own and maintained a narrow lead for much of the contest, never trailing after the 7:55 mark of the second quarter.

The Charge improved to 20-11 with the win, which was projected as a narrow advantage by statistical models. The two teams are set for a quick rematch at the same venue on Saturday night.

The game featured 17 lead changes and 10 ties, with both teams shooting efficiently in a fast-paced affair. Cleveland’s ability to force key turnovers — converting 15 Swarm giveaways into points — and their 33-24 advantage in assists provided the slight edge needed in a contest where defensive stops were at a premium. Greensboro’s 18 offensive rebounds kept them in striking distance until the final moments, but Cleveland’s composure at the free-throw line down the stretch, making 37 of their attempts, ultimately secured the victory.