Charlotte 49ers rally to beat Georgia State home opener 

CHARLOTTE ATHLETICS

The Charlotte 49ers are 2-0 under new coach Wes Miller after their 77-67 win against Georgia State Nov. 5, 2026, at Halton Arena.

The Charlotte 49ers are 2-0 with new coach Wes Miller on the sidelines.

Charlotte used a late 11-0 run to beat Georgia State 77-67 in the home opener at Halton Arena.

“I was overwhelmed with the support tonight from the home crowd,” Miller said. “What a great atmosphere. I know it meant a lot to our players. It meant a lot to our staff. So, everybody that came out that gave us a crazy lift down the stretch. It was a difference.”

The 49ers ended both halves on runs. They ended the first with a 7-0 rally. 

“The preseason and exhibition season is to prepare you for the real season,” Miller said. “I was worried after we scrimmaged East Tennessee State and then the exhibition against Georgia, because we hadn’t been in a close game. Then we had the close game in Chapel Hill, and we weren’t able to close it out. Our attention to detail in practice and our situation work has been extremely different since then.”

Thirteen 49ers played, including guard Chaze Harris, who managed only four minutes. He was first off the bench in preseason games as well as the season opener at Indiana State. His lack of playing time wasn’t due to performance.

“I was told that his back tightened up, in warm-ups actually,” Miller said. “Then he tried to give it a go and just couldn’t go. That’s college basketball; stuff happens. I thought our guys did a nice job of rallying and figuring it out without him. But we certainly need him back.”

Charlotte guard Keyshuan Tillery has been on a tear the first two games, scoring 29 and 24 points respectively. 

“I feel like it's been great,” he said. “We’re still adjusting, we’re still trying to figure out schemes and how we want to get things done. But I feel like the chemistry is coming along. We just have to keep trusting the staff, the coaches, just really dial in on the game plan.”

Charlotte committed 10 turnovers compared to 16 against Indiana State — 11 of which came in the first half. Miller said it is still early and turnovers sometimes stem from building chemistry. 

“It's so early,” Miller said, “and we’re such a new team. There’s so many things we have to improve. … So, trying to figure us out right now is probably difficult.”

Miller had a special guest in attendance – retired North Carolina coach Roy Williams, who sat courtside in a green sweater to support him and assistant coach Marcus Paige. 

“Since the day I told him I was going to go play for North Carolina, it’s been consistent,” Miller said. “That’s a credit to the man that he is – genuine. He’s been a consistent part of my life, my coaching journey, every step of the way. So, it’s special, but it’s all the time.”

Comments