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Curran Scott drives the lane. Photo by Leysha Caraballo.
Charlotte is playing their best basketball of the season. The 49ers are winners of six of their last eight games and are coming off back-to-back 100 point games. Now, Charlotte heads out for a two-game road trip. The first stop, Huntington, W. Va. as they take on Marshall. Charlotte defeated the Thundering Herd earlier this season 103-95. Andrien White had 30 points and 10 rebounds while Joseph Uchebo recorded the first 20-20 game since 2006 with 24 points and 21 rebounds. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.
BATTLE ON THE BOARDS
One of the reasons for Charlotte’s victory over Marshall was rebounding. The 49ers out-rebounded 45-29, including grabbing 12 offensive rebounds. Despite only recording eight second-chance points, rebounding was vital to cutting down Marshall’s possessions. Charlotte will need to be aggressive again on the offensive boards, as Marshall is Conference USA’s top scoring team at 85 points per game.
With Uchebo, Charlotte is always a threat on the boards. But White, Jon Davis and Braxton Ogbueze have come off the perimeter to provide support. Also, Benas Griciunas is beginning to provide solid minutes off the bench. Griciunas is skilled seven-footer that has recorded a total of 18 points and seven rebounds over the last two games.
MARSHALL SCOUTING REPORT
The Thundering Herd are coming off an overtime victory over WKU and are on a two-game winning streak of their own. Since battling Charlotte earlier in conference play, they’ve averaged 92 points per game. James Kelly continues to lead the Thundering Herd, averaging 20.4 points and 9.4 rebounds. Jon Elmore follows Kelly, averaging 15 points and six assists. The two combined for 54 points, 17 rebounds and five assits in the first matchup against Charlotte.
As much as Marshall scores, their defending doesn’t match up as well. Marshall ranks second to last in the conference, giving up 84 points per game. This is great news for Charlotte, who have scored 100 points in back-to-back games. If Charlotte can continue their momentum, then a victory may be in store. But 49ers must beware of the revenge game, especially on the road.
