Last season at six games in, we were 1-5. Now, at 5-1, as Phil Jones put it in his post game interview, “Well, it’s a lot better than last year.” There’s not a better way to put it than that, really. After downing ECU [...]]]>

Pirates fans watch the game come to a close.

Last season at six games in, we were 1-5. Now, at 5-1, as Phil Jones put it in his post game interview, “Well, it’s a lot better than last year.” There’s not a better way to put it than that, really. After downing ECU in easy, but frustrating, fashion, Charlotte is off to its best start in years, and boy does it feel great!

Oh, you want to read about the game? If there’s one worrisome trend that’s developing (other than lack of defense), it’s the lack of a “kick the opponent when he’s down” mentality. At one point early in the second half, we were within one field goal of a twenty point lead but never could make it happen. Instead, we let ECU get back within seven and had to utilize awesome free throw shooting to ice the game. This teams needs to learn how to step on the throat, twist the knife, steal the eye-patch, shave the eyebrow, etc.

The best part? Our best player, Shamari Spears had a terrible game, and we still won. Limited to only 12 pts and 5 rbds, Spears almost seemed to do more harm than good, giving up 5 of our 13 turnovers. However, his presence on the court leads to scoring from our other players as he draws double and triple teams. The turnovers came when he tried to force his offense, but when he learns how to pass out of the double team, our offense will be that much more deadly. Braswell also failed to follow up his great performance versus Yale, but that is to be expected from a freshman. Phil Jones was able to step it up, with 10 points (2 on dunks), 9 rebounds, and even had his own block party with 4 blocks. With those blocks, Jones has come into a tie for tenth place in the all-time blocks list, and we can expect him to climb up the charts through the season.

DiJuan Harris had a stellar game with 17 points, 6 assists and only 1 turnover. One highlight of the game for DiJuan was the wide open three pointer he hit in the flow of the offense. In order to be respected as a threat on offense, DiJuan needs to consistently hit that shot.

Now for bullet points:

Positives

• Phil Jones had a great first half, in fact, the whole team did
• Derrio doesn’t seem too bothered by his Planter Fascia during games
• RaShad Coleman had a great game, and definitely played within himself and didn’t try to do too much
• Shamarr hit two threes, but that 30 footer was a momentum killer
• An ECU player airballed a free throw, he is probably destroyed for the season
• The black out looked great
• ECU turned the ball over 13 times, is our defense improving?

Put on your Green Tinted Glasses

• Still took some stupid threes
• We had difficulty assisting Spears while he was being double-teamed
• We let a guy named Brock torch us for 24 points
• Nobody is stepping up to stop the dribble drive penetration, move your feet on defense!!!!

Either way, it’s wonderful to be 5-1, and now we look forward to finishing out CUSA Reunion Week at Louisville versus the Cardinals and Rick Pitino in Freedom Hall. Lutz has a good record in there, as well as some good memories – hopefully we’ll make one more!   – J Felt

The last time the Charlotte 49ers faced the EZU Pirates, it was the Niners who were forced to walk the plank, losing 54-51.  That game featured an ice storm that kept many faithful from making the drive to [...]]]>

No amount of bleach to the eyes could erase this horrible game from my mind.

The last time the Charlotte 49ers faced the EZU Pirates, it was the Niners who were forced to walk the plank, losing 54-51.  That game featured an ice storm that kept many faithful from making the drive to Greenville and a dominating performance by Moussa Badiane (16 points, 9 rebounds, 3  blocks, and a key charge drawn) and a dreadful shooting night by the Niners (18-56 from the field).  Though the faces on the court have changed in the years since the last game, revenge will be on the minds of fans as Halton Arena welcomes the scourge of the Carolinas with a blackout Wednesday night.

EZU enters the game 2-4 (sorry, the win against Clinch Valley College doesn’t count) with their most recent contest a win Saturday at fellow slave-name institution, UNC Greensboro.  Despite the poor record, the Pirates should not be taken lightly by the Niners (really, no argggggguing with me).  EZU shoots a very high percentage from the field (47.0%) and gets to the line regularly (nearly as many makes as their opponents attempt).  The Pirates are also adept rebounders, enjoying a more than 5 rpg. advantage over their opponents.  Where EZU struggles is maintaining possession.  Turnovers have been the key stumbling block in the early season, with the Pirates averaging nearly 20/game.

A surprising source of frustration has been the play of Jr. PG Brock Young, who last year was second in the NCAA with 7.57 assists/game and a healthy 2.44 assist:turnover ratio.  Despite leading the team in scoring this season (14.4 ppg.) he’s actually committed more turnovers than assists, possibly out of a desire to create more for the team and be the focal point of the offense.  The Niners must head caution to his ability to make things happen for the Pirates and not take his turnover problem for granted tomorrow night as he looks to create for a very potent frontline for EZU.  Terrific young forward Darrius Morrow has emerged as a rising star in his sophomore season, averaging 13.6 ppg. on 63.6% shooting and 7.0 rpg.  Morrow is joined in the paint by Jr. C Chad Wynn, who is chipping in just over 9 ppg. On 59.2% shooting and 5.3 rpg.  Rounding out the perimeter for EZU are wings Jontae Sherrod (12.6 ppg., 35.5% from 3) and Jamar Abrams (7.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg.).  For the Pirates Wednesday night, the focus should be clear:  limit turnovers and use strong interior play to get quality looks and draw fouls.  On the defensive end, force the Niners into tough shots and use the rebounding advantage to limit second-chance scoring opportunities.

The Niners will counter with standout forward Shamari Spears.  Through 4 games Spears has asserted himself in the early mix as an A10 POY candidate averaging 24.3 ppg. on a scorching 62.3% shooting from the field.  Another bright spot in the revamped Niner front court has been the play of frosh forward Chris Braswell.  Last week against Hofstra, Braswell notched the second double-double of his young career with a 15 point, 11 rebound performance in the victory.  Where concern rises is the scoring beyond Spears.  Despite having 7 other players reach double-figures in scoring already this season, no consistent second and third options have emerged.  DiJuan Harris. Derrio Green, and Shamarr Bowden are each averaging between 8.0 and 9.2 ppg.; however, neither are shooting better than 40% from the field.  In fact, it’s not until 6^th leading scorer Phil Jones (6.6 ppg.) do the Niners have a player shooting better than 40% from the field (and that being a low figure for a post player).  Bowden is the quintessential case of inconsistency, having not reached double-figures in scoring since his 21 point eruption against Asheville in the season opener.   Help should be on the way shortly, with the return of An’juan Wilderness to the lineup, but not until Saturday against Louisville.  Until then, the Niners will have to continue to search for consistent scoring.  Hopefully deliverance will come in the form of better shooting, with signs that Derrio Green is emerging from his early shooting slumber.   – NLP

The EZU mascot needs updating.

Keys to the game for EZU:

• limit turnovers (absolute must for the Pirates)
• maintain a rebounding advantage
• dominate the Niner interior (really no one has done this yet)

Keys to the game for Charlotte:

• shoot the ball better (>45% will be a feat)
• get offensive rebounds
• force Brock Young to try to do too much himself