If the SIU Arena has any windows, somebody better board em up quick.
The Charlotte 49ers blow into town this afternoon. They're hungry to break a six game skid, and have a 6-1 record, all time against the Salukis.
The 49'ers (1-6) opened with a win over UNC Greensboro. Since then they've lost one game by 1, two by 2 and one in overtime. Coach Bobby Lutz has a 3-1 career mark against Southern including a rare win at the Arena on Jan. 2, 2004. That's only one of five SIU home defeats in the last 101 contests.
Last year Charlotte smacked the Dawgs around 71-56, including a 20-0 mid-game run.
This year's 49ers figure to get back on track pretty soon. They aim to start today.
Charlotte features a pair of 6-7 senior forwards, Charlie Coley III and Lamont Mack. Mack's the team's leading scorer (12.4) and Coley is the top rebounder (6.6) . He nabbed 11 against both Clemson and Arizona State. Rim punishing dunks are CC's specialty. 6-6 Soph. forward An'Jaun Wilderness (9.9, 3.7 boards) will also be a factor below the blocks.
The Niner attack is balanced. Seven different men have already posted double figures on offense and six have lead the squad in scoring.
Charlotte's reserves contribute over 20 points a game and posted 33 vs. Clemson. Sixth man Ian Anderson, a 6-4 Jr. guard, leads with 10.4
The 49ers have averaged over eight steals a game. Chief culprit: 5-9 Jr. guard DiJuan Harris.
Coach Chris Lowery's team showed marked effectiveness on the defensive end vs. SLU. SIU will look to play with control and keep the game in the 60's. The Salukis have the personnel to match Charlotte. Big versus big will be the difference.
When Duke had 40 made free throws Southern sagged. SIU's 27-31 at the line sank St. Louis. So we'll go with the stat line for free throws as the determiner today in a close one.
SIU 69 Charlotte 67.
Game time is 1:05.
