The Charlotte 49ers didnt play their best game Wednesday. But they played one of their most exhilarating.
Down and seemingly out, they kept their poise, came charging back, hit free throws and a killer three and added two steals. The rally pushed them past George Washington 72-68 at Halton Arena.
The 49ers were down 68-63 with 1:25 remaining.
And then guard Darrio Green hit two free throws.
George Washington turned the ball over.
Green, who had not made a basket all evening, who was 0-7 from the field, all behind the 3-point line, shot again. He fired from the right side, behind the three-point line, with 48 seconds remaining. This time the ball went in. The shot tied the score at 68.
That's a gutsy shot from a gutsy player. A designed play, it also was a gutsy call by Charlotte coach Bobby Lutz.
Charlotte senior guard DiJuan Harris then stole the ball, was fouled and hit two free throws.
This time George Washington didn't turn the ball over. It shot. And missed.
Charlotte grabbed the rebound and George Washington fouled again. The 49ers again made their free throws.
The 49ers made only 15 of 25 free throws. But they sank their final 10.
Charlotte won 72-68. Four points was their biggest lead of the evening.
The 49ers have now won six straight. And they've been entertaining along the way. After their last two victories, at home against Temple and now George Washington, you wanted to smack the hand of the fan next to you and say, you see that?
Their next home game is two weeks from tonight against Duquesne.
FORRRTYYYY
Posted by: Chris | February 03, 2010 at 10:13 PM
NINERS! tough, physical game. We never got down and out. This team has composure, something we've been missing for a while. Kudos to Lutz and Co for keeping the guys level headed and playing as a team.
Posted by: Ross | February 04, 2010 at 12:44 AM
what an intense game. straight up intense.
Posted by: srenin | February 04, 2010 at 01:04 AM
What a crazy game. I like writeups like this one because they actually cover the story of the game and not just stats. Great stuff Tom.
Posted by: Benjamin Hemingway | February 04, 2010 at 01:15 AM
On another note sources confirm UNCC Chancellor Dubois has ordered AD Rose to officially return to using UNCC 49ers for 2010-2011. Rose is also slated for replacement with an experienced male AD knowledgeable about football in the near future and will be requested to voluntarily tender her resignation.
Posted by: UNCC Insider | February 05, 2010 at 10:52 AM