Charlotte falls to Rice in Frisco

by Mar 10, 2022Basketball

CLT Basketball

Charlotte falls to Rice

Three takeaways from the season finale

In the second round of the C-USA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Charlotte 49ers fell to the Rice Owls 73-61. Charlotte came into the tournament with some momentum having beaten Middle Tennessee and Southern Miss to end the season. So, here are three takeaways from Charlotte’s opening loss to Rice.

Charlotte has to find a second big man to complement Khalifa

Early in the game, conference freshman of the year Aly Khalifa picked up two quick fouls. Naturally coach Ron Sanchez took him out. But, in comes Luka Vasic, who has yet to really show proven growth on the court. 

Perry Francois came in following a short stint with Vasic on the floor. Nothing seemed to be moving in the right direction. So, lastly, Jared Garcia came into the contest hoping to provide some production, and out of the other two did seem to produce better, but still lacked on the defensive end. 

“This is something we will address with recruiting,” Sanchez said following the game. “Perry is obviously a senior and will no longer be with us. That is something we need.”

Jahmir Young needs help

The all-conference first team guard did not have his best outing against the Owls as he shot 6-21 on the night and 1-8 from the three point line. A lot of this comes from having to force the offense in late shot clock situations. Shots were being taken out of the normal flow of the offense. 

Young finished the game with 14 points only behind Austin Butler’s 16. With Butler and Trapp no longer going to be on the team next season, it leaves many wondering just where the offensive production can come from if it isn’t Young or Khalifa.

All is not lost

It is easy to look at this season in a negative light with the tremendous amount of talent that the team possessed. However, the team did obtain 17 wins, which as of the last three seasons is a drastic improvement. 

The team has guys like Daylen Berry who redshirted this year, and will likely be an immediate impact on next year’s team. Also, one guy many overlook having not seen him this season is Brice Williams. Arguably the best all-around player on the team. He can shoot, he can drive, and he can defend at a high level.

The 49ers finish the 2021-22 season with a 17-14 record, which is not optimal, but there is plenty to be evaluated in the off-season to make improvements.

How are you feeling about the state or the program? Come join us to talk things over on discord.

<< More basketball content >>

Charlotte wins the 2023 College Basketball Invitational

Charlotte wins the 2023 College Basketball Invitational

Photo credit: Charlotte Men's Basketball For Dale As most of you know by now, Barksdale "Dale" F. Halton passed away this week. Her legacy will never be forgotten here at Charlotte due to her philanthropic work on behalf of Charlotte 49ers Athletics over the years....

Charlotte advances to the semifinals of the CBI

Charlotte advances to the semifinals of the CBI

Photo credit: Charlotte Basketball Twitter Sanchez and staff have to shift attention quickly to focus on Radford The Charlotte 49ers, propelled by their star guard/forward Brice Williams’ 25-point outing, knocked off the 11th-seeded Milwaukee Panthers 76-65. The win...

Charlotte to play in CBI, will take on Western Carolina

Charlotte to play in CBI, will take on Western Carolina

Photo credit: Charlotte Athletics Charlotte will play in the College Basketball Invitational (CBI), which hosts 16 mid-major teams for a 5-day event down in Daytona Beach, Florida. Per Sports-Reference.com, Charlotte is 3-0 all-time versus the Catamounts, with the...

Join us on discord to talk all things charlotte Basketball