WASHINGTON (Interstat) — In a high-octane G League contest that defied pregame projections, the Birmingham Squadron built a massive early lead and then withstood a furious second-half rally by the Capital City Go-Go to secure a 122-116 victory Saturday night at CareFirst Arena.

Interstat’s ELO system had given the Go-Go an 89.4 percent probability to win, but the Squadron, improving to 11-24, flipped the script with a dominant first half. Birmingham erupted for 65 points by intermission, capitalizing on aggressive interior play and forcing Capital City into a perimeter-reliant offense that initially yielded little success. The Go-Go, falling to 16-16, missed 12 of their first 13 attempts from three-point range as the Squadron established control.

The most critical phase of the game was Birmingham’s initial surge and its ability to maintain composure when Capital City’s offense inevitably ignited. The Squadron led 27-19 after one quarter and then delivered a devastating 38-point second period, pushing their advantage to 65-46 at halftime. Birmingham’s efficiency was stark, posting an offensive rating of 140.2 points per 100 possessions for the game, fueled by a 46-35 rebounding edge and 16 offensive boards.

Capital City’s comeback attempt was spearheaded by a blistering shooting display after halftime. After starting cold, the Go-Go finished 18 of 47 from beyond the arc and scored 70 points in the second half. A 34-point third quarter cut the deficit to 93-80, and a 36-point fourth quarter barrage brought them within striking distance in the final minutes.

The Go-Go closed to 115-113 with 1:50 remaining after two Kadary Richmond free throws. Following a Birmingham turnover, Leaky Black’s layup with 1:34 left tied the game at 115. The Squadron, however, executed in the clutch. Jaden Springer hit one of two free throws with nine seconds left to break the tie. After Black made one of two to re-tie it at 116, Trey Alexander was fouled with three seconds left and made the second of two free throws to put Birmingham ahead for good at 117-116. A final Go-Go turnover led to more Squadron free throws, sealing the six-point margin.

Birmingham’s Josh Oduro was the game’s top performer, recording 26 points and 12 rebounds. He was complemented by double-doubles from Hunter Dickinson (20 points, 10 rebounds) and a dynamic 27-point, 7-assist effort from D.J. Carton. Trey Alexander facilitated the offense with nine assists.

For Capital City, Alondes Williams led all scorers with 40 points, adding eight rebounds. Damari Monsanto scored 20 and Kadary Richmond added 19 points and six assists, but the Go-Go’s 25 personal fouls, compared to Birmingham’s 13, proved a significant hindrance.

The Squadron next travel to face the Wisconsin Herd on Monday, while the Go-Go visit the Greensboro Swarm on Wednesday.