Spears Leads Charlotte Over JCSU, 91-70, in Exhibition Action.
Senior point guard DiJuan Harris had 10 assists and three steals vs. JCSU. |
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Nov. 5, 2009
Post Game Press Conference Video
Halton Arena - Junior forward Shamari Spears scored a game-high 26 points as the Charlotte 49ers ran out to a 52-27 halftime lead in toppling Johnson C. Smith, 91-70, in exhibition action, Thursday night.
Spears, anchor of the 49ers rebuilt frontcourt, hit 7-of-13 field goals and was a perfect 12-of-12 from the foul line. 6-8 freshman forward Chris Braswell added 13 points, senior RaShad Coleman had 11 points and sophomore newcomer Derrio Green added 10 for Charlotte.
"Overall, I was real pleased with how we played for the first time out. We played well in the first half and not so much in the second half, but give Johnson C. Smith credit. They've got some real nice players and they didn't stop fighting. Our guys had enough answers, though and our veterans led us," said 49ers 12th-year head coach Bobby Lutz.
Spears, a 6-6 forward who sat out last season after transferring from Boston College, played 21 minutes and contributed four rebounds, an assist and a steal to go with his 26 points.
"The last year, it's been practice, practice, practice. I haven't been able to beat up on anybody other than our own team. It felt real good to get out there, tonight," Spears said.
Senior point guard DiJuan Harris scored eight points with 10 assists, a turnover and three steals in 29 minutes of action. Last year, he set a school record for minutes played as the 49ers lone point guard, but this year, will get welcome relief from Green, in particular.
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"It felt real good to get a break and come back in and attack," Harris said. "I can go as hard as I want so that'll make things a lot better, this year."
Charlotte shot 53% from the field, 40% from three-point range and 78% from the foul line.
JCSU, which won the CIAA Tournament title, last year, was led by Jerry Hollis, who scored 16 points. Brian Mobley added 15. The Golden Bulls shot 39% from the field.
Charlotte enjoyed a 40-35 rebound advantage and blocked 11 shots. Freshman forward Chris Braswell led all rebounders with 8 boards to go with his 13 points. Junior center Phil Jones scored five points with four rebounds and five blocked shots.
"Chris was very, very effective tonight," said Lutz. "He's got his best basketball ahead of him. He's got a great feel for the game and for high-low action and he has a knack for getting to the basket and scoring."
Charlotte, which boasts greater depth than a year ago, had 11 different players score while 10 49ers played at least 10 minutes.
The 49ers will open the regular-season Friday, Nov. 13 vs. UNC Asheville at Halton Arena. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
