Charlotte, NC – Charlotte improved its record to 7-5 Wednesday night as the team overcame a pesky Western Carolina team to win the contest, 98-82, at Halton Arena. The Niners put on an offensive show at home, notching a season high 98 points, a mark that had not been reached by the program in nearly five years. Charlotte had four players finish in double figures as Robert Braswell and Austin Butler each finished with 22 points, while Jahmir Young and Clyde Trapp Jr. tallied 20 and 17 respectively.
Despite controlling the lead for over 16 minutes in the first half, Western Carolina was able to stay within striking distance as both teams were able to effectively establish its offense. The Catamounts received a big contribution from freshman guard Marcus Banks who had already reached a career high 17 points by halftime while shooting a blazing 100% from the field. Both teams shot over 50% from the field as the Niners took a 45-43 lead into the locker room.
In the second half, Charlotte was able to overcome its typical sluggish second-half start by going on a 14-2 run, which gave the team some breathing room as it grew its lead to 60-48. Midway through the second half, Western Carolina switched things up defensively as the Catamounts went to a 1-3-1 zone defense in hopes to keep Charlotte out of its cutting lanes. The Niners were able to maneuver through the defense to find Syracuse transfer Robert Braswell open for two consectutive elbow-three pointers which put the Niners up 73-58 and effectively putting the game out of reach.
“On any night, any of us can go for 15 or 20 (points) and we honestly don’t care who it is as long as we’re playing the right way and sharing the ball”, said Butler who had a game-high eight rebounds to go along with his 22 points. “The more we play together, we’re just going to keep getting more comfortable with each other”.
With the win, the Niners take some much needed momentum into Conference USA play which begins next Thursday night at Florida Atlantic.
