Charlotte basketball leads American Conference race

CHARLOTTE ATHLETICS

The play of Charlotte guard Lu'Cye Patterson has helped the 49ers to first place in the American Conference and a six-game win streak.

The chants of, “FORTY… NINERS,” is getting louder inside Halton Arena.

Charlotte is atop the American Conference after a 20-point comeback victory against Alabama-Birmingham that extended their win streak to six games – including two where the 49ers faced 20-point deficits.

“[It was] a super inspiring effort by our guys,” interim coach Aaron Fearne said. “The environment was electric. Our guys are inspiring the crowd, and the fans inspire us. It works both ways.”

Charlotte is 9-1 at home, which includes six straight wins at home. A month and a half until the end of the regular season, the 49ers have sole possession of the AAC lead with a 6-1 conference record. Florida Atlantic is also 6-1 but Charlotte won the head-to-head meeting.

Home court advantage

As the wins pile up, the crowds inside Halton Arena are steadily increasing as well. The student section, called the Gold Mine, is always loud.

After Charlotte’s win against UAB, center Dishon Jackson was complimentary of how the student section kept cheering even while the 49ers trailed by 20 points.
“They never doubted us,” Jackson said. “Even when we were down 20, they were still chanting and shouting.”

The home crowd was also a big part of the win over nationally ranked FAU on Jan. 6. As Charlotte ran out to a big lead, the 49ers were able to withstand the Owls late push.

Better chemistry

After the win against FAU – which started the streak – guard Lu’Cye Patterson talked about how the 49ers were starting to figure each other out and get in sync on the court.

“[Basketball] isn’t supposed to be a one man show,” he said. “I try to get [my teammates] shots and give them the confidence they need to improve and be the best they can be. Once we get in the flow of the game and get rolling we are all right.”

Patterson is coming off a career night against UAB, leading the team in scoring and assists. He had 23 points and five assists and played a game high 36 minutes as well. 17 of his 23 points came in the second half and shot 7-of-15 from the floor.

“He is a ferocious animal,” Jackson said of Patterson. “He tells us, ‘If you need a bucket, just give me the ball.’ He is a big-time competitor and his will to win is enormous.”

Jackson added 21 points and forward Igor Milicic Jr. scored 15 points for the 49ers. More players are getting more involved speaking to how the team chemistry has grown this season.

Remaining schedule

Fearne insists he is only focused on the next game on the schedule. While this may be true, it can be difficult to not have a few key games circled on the calendar as the 49ers navigate the rest of their regular season.
On Feb. 3, they welcome in-state rival East Carolina to Halton Arena. Despite being the likely favorite, Charlotte can’t afford to take a play off.

The 49ers travel to face an old conference foe on Feb. 21 when they battle Memphis which is ranked in the top 20 in the nation. There are a lot of games to play before then, but this could have conference standing implications if both teams continue to win.

Charlotte’s next game will be a rematch with Tulane. In their first meeting this season, tempers flared at the end of the game and the teams had to be separated. It is a game that both teams will likely have in the back of their minds going forward.


This story corrects Charlotte's game against Tulane.

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