Wolves Clinch Showcase Cup Spot with 133-130 Win Over Cleveland

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Wolves clinched a spot in next week’s Showcase Cup on Thursday night holding off Cleveland for a 133-130 win at Wells Fargo Arena.

Iowa (11-5), which improved to 8-0 at home, advances to the single elimination Showcase Cup next week in Las Vegas. The Wolves will play Monday at a TBA time against an opponent to be determined by Saturday night at the conclusion of the league’s showcase slate for all teams. The winning team of the Showcase Cup will take home a $100,000 prize.

Iowa can clinch the central division if Windy City (9-5) loses one of its remaining two games. If Windy City, Iowa and Cleveland all tie, point differential will be determined from the 16 Showcase games of each team.

Bettendorf native D.J. Carton powered the Wolves coming off the bench and pouring in 30 points behind a 12-of-12 shooting performance. Carton added a season-high nine assists. 

PJ Dozier returned to the court after missing the team’s last game due to injury and finished with 22 points, eight rebounds and four assists. CJ Elleby added 18 points, Javonte Cooke had a career-high 17 points and Matt Lewis chipped in 15 points. 

Cleveland (11-5), which also secured a Showcase spot with one of the four best remaining team winning percentages, was led by Sharife Cooper who scored a game-high 31 points. Jamorko Pickett was next with 23 points while Mamadi Diakite posted a double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds.

Lewis’ three-pointer with 2:30 to go in the game put Iowa up by 12 points but Cleveland stormed back and had a chance to tie the game with 2.6 seconds left. However, the Wolves’ defense clamped down as Pickett’s three attempt was long off the back of the rim as Iowa qualified for its first-ever Showcase Cup.