Feb. 8, 2009

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CHARLOTTE - Despite 13 points and seven rebounds in the first half from freshman Chris Johnson, the Dayton Flyers had its seven-game winning streak snapped with a 79-66 loss to the Charlotte 49ers.

Charles Little added 11 points, Kurt Huelsman chipped in with five points and five rebounds and Mickey Perry scored six in the defeat.

Dayton drops to 21-3 overall and 7-2 in the Atlantic 10 after committing 17 turnovers and shooting just 9-of-20 from the free throw line.

The 49ers entered the contest losing eight of its last 10. However, Charlotte used a 19-4 run in the second half and got the Flyers in foul trouble to break the game open.

Early on it looked as if Dayton was finding its offensive groove. The Flyers used runs of 9-2 and 7-0 to lead 37-33 at halftime.

UD extended its halftime lead to 44-38 after a Devin Searcy hook shot with 16:04 to play. But Charlotte would regain the advantage with a 7-0 run capped by an open three-pointer to go up 47-46 with 13 minutes remaining.

After a Marcus Johnson three, Charlotte went on another run and took a 55-49 lead with 8:05 left. Charlotte then captured the momentum for good with two dunks and two free throws to extend the lead to nine with less than six to play.

The 49ers then extended their advantage to 65-52 before a Little alley-oop stopped the 49er run. However, Charlotte kept coming up with baskets an extended their lead at one point to 14.

The 49ers shot 48 percent from the field and connected on 19-of-24 free throws to improve to 8-14 overall and 2-6 in the A-10.

Dayton meanwhile shot 50 percent from floor and 7-of-13 from beyond the arc. Yet the Flyers were out-rebounded 36-28 and allowed 20 Charlotte points off of turnovers.

Other Flyer contributors included London Warren with six points and five assists, Rob Lowery with eight points and seven boards and Marcus Johnson adding seven points. UD's leading scorer, Chris Wright, was in foul trouble during the second half and limited to five points, two blocks and one offensive rebound.

The Flyers return home to face the No. 8 Xavier Musketeers on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.