Charlotte 49ers Basketball look to bounce back after 0-2 outing in the Bahamas
After a struggle in the Baha Mar Hoops Challenge, the 49ers are back inside of Halton Arena for the Battle for the Hornets’ Nest against Davidson. The 49ers started off the season red-hot with three straight wins to open up their 2021-22 campaign. The good fortune would run out in the Bahamas as losses would come against Toledo and Drexel. Charlotte is hoping for a big-time win in what has grown to be a very illustrious in-state rivalry.
The most important key to defeating the wildcats is to guard the three-point line. The Wildcats shoot 42.3% as a team from distance, the 7th highest percentage in the country at this time. Also worth noting that Davidson in one of the few teams with a slower adjusted tempo per KenPom than Charlotte, so the data tells us this one shouldn’t be a shootout, but you never know what can happen in a rivalry game.
Needless to say, a victory will not come easy for the 49ers but is obtainable if they execute their rugged style of defense that people are now accustomed to seeing under coach Ron Sanchez. Sanchez is currently 2-1 against the Wildcats, and Charlotte leads the series all-time 30-17.
Players to watch for the 49ers
Jahmir Young — Yes, we all know about how talented Young is. What is going to be important for him this game is his transition defense. He will be able to score fine, but the film of this Wildcats team suggests they take a lot of three-pointers in transition. Young will have to change ends of the court quickly and get his team set on defense before the Wildcats have time to think about pulling the trigger.
On offense, he will just need to do his thing. Drive, shoot, rebound, etc. I do not see many threats to hold him under 20 points on Davidson’s roster, so if he really hones in on the defensive side of the ball, the 49ers have a good chance of winning the Hornets’ Nest game for the third straight year.
Austin Butler — Butler has really come on as of late. He had a good showing down in the Bahamas and will need to continue that if Charlotte looks to have prolonged success this season. He is much quicker than one would expect from a guy of his stature, and he can get to the basket quickly. I look for him to take a lot of the Davidson defenders off the dribble and get to the rim in this game.
Players to watch for the Wildcats
Hyunjung Lee — Lee, from the NBA Global Academy (as is current Charlotte 49er Aly Khalifa), is coming off his best two games of the season coming into the matchup against Charlotte. He finished with 25 points against East Carolina and 23 points against Robert Morris who was a tournament team a few years ago. He averages over 16 points per game and will be someone the 49ers definitely need to keep an eye on at all times. Interesting nugget here that some may be unaware of, Charlotte heavily purused Hyunjung Lee, however ultimately landed Brice Williams.
Foster Loyer — Coming in averaging just under 13 points per game, Loyner shoots the three-ball at a blistering 53%. Defenders will have to run at him all game and do not let him get his shot off, because he can do so very quickly as he has a very quick release.
Looking to game time
Game time is set for 7 p.m. from inside Halton Arena. Be sure to be there, or if you can’t be there, tune in on ESPN 730 The Game on the radio or watch the game live on Stadium.
