Seriously, WTF is this?!
So, the Niners kicked off conference play in style a few days ago, winning a real barn-burner against St. Bonaventure. Cue sarcasm.
That being said, our 49ers (11-4, 1-0) roll up to Ohio tonight to take on the Xavier Musketeers (10-5, 2-0) in the Cintas Center. Cintas has historically been a pretty difficult place for Charlotte to do well. It’s a pretty tough place to go in and get a win in general. We are really gonna have to bring in our A-Game tonight if we expect to come out 2-0 in conference play…especially after bringing our C+ game at home against the Bonnies.
Xavier seems to be having some of the same issues this year that we are, coming out in some games firing on all cylinders ( see Xavier vs. Cincinnatti, Dec. 14)…and other games, looking like they just haven’t quite got it figured out (like in their loss to Marquette, or their abysmal first half performance against George Washington). Nonetheless, while Xavier isn’t necessarily as talented this year as in years past, they’re still going to be a very tough opponent. Moreover, as mentioned before, they always seem to put on a little extra shine at home.Also, our defense is gonna have its hands full with X guard (and Indiana transfer) Jordan Crawford (19 ppg). The kid takes a lot of shots, but he’s got that ability to take a game over when he finds his stroke. This season, after not playing last year, he seems to have found it just fine. He’s been in double figures in all but one game.
On paper though, Charlotte and Xavier seem to match up pretty well. I could see this being a close game and a very fun one to watch, and I could also see it getting very ugly for Charlotte…depending on which Charlotte team shows up. In the past few games, it seems that we’re starting to develop a nasty habit of coming out terribly flat in the first half, turning it on in the second just long enough to make it close, and then kind of fizzling out. That just won’t do against Xavier. The 49ers are due a solid, resume-boosting win. Let’s hope that we go up there and take care of business.
Predictions are below. Leave yours in the comments. No seriously, we have a prize this time…SERIOUSLY…
D-Fo – Charlotte finally brings EVERYONE to play, and the 49ers scrap out a tough on in the Cintas Center. 76-71 Charlotte.
J Felt – Charlotte 71, Xavier 67. The 49ers shock the Atlantic10 (and their own fans) by collectively growing a pair and winning a close game at a tough opponent, but I am known to be highly illogical.
letsgoNINERS11 – Its not gonna happen in Cintas Center, building is near impossible to win in. Xavier 79 – Charlotte 67
JRitchie – With the battle for playing time significantly diminished, the Niners finally get some chemistry and bid goodbye to Shamarr. The team that was dominating Louisville comes back on the court Charlotte 65 – Xavier 60
Bust – I lost my glasses somewhere between Norfolk, VA and Knoxville, TN. No way we win this.
Xavier 82, Charlotte 64