Photo credit: Sam Roberts, Freeze Frame
In this year’s edition of the battle for the Hornets’ Nest, the Charlotte 49ers come in with hopes of taking the trophy back to Charlotte as they boast a 5-2 record coming into the matchup. Davidson, however, has other plans as they sit alone at the top of the Atlantic 10 with a 6-1 record with their only loss coming to the College of Charleston.
The 49ers will definitely be in search of a little “get back” if you will as the Wildcats came into Halton Arena last year and did nothing short of embarrassing the 49ers. Davidson, led by Lee Hyun-jung, beat the 49ers 75-58. Hyun-jung had 32 of the Wildcats’ points, ripping the nets apart from three-point range.
This year the Wildcats are without their sniper forward, but as always still shoot the three extremely well. Here is a quick scout of the Wildcats:
Davidson is led by senior guard, Foster Loyer. Loyer only totaled eight points on the 49ers a season ago, but this season could be very different. Loyer comes in averaging 22.7 ppg shooting an outstanding 46% from three-point range. He is the focal point for the 49er defense without question, but Charlotte will also need to be alert because several other Wildcats can shoot very well too.
Keys to a 49er victory
You must force the Wildcat shooters off of the three-point line. Sounds simple, sure; with Charlotte’s great defense you would think this wouldn’t be too much of an issue. How wrong you would be to assume this. Davidson gets up shots quickly. This can’t be emphasized enough. Their shooters can get off a shot before defenders can even think about getting around a ball screen.
Secondly, the 49ers must shoot better themselves. It is no question that the 49ers have not shot the ball particularly well from deep. Like with most anything in basketball, it comes down to a confidence thing with shooting well. If you believe you will make it, there is a much greater chance it will go in. The 49ers can’t hesitate to let it fly when they get a good look. It seems as if they are quick to pass up a good look at a three just to try and find a driving lane to the rim.
Key player for the 49ers
I think Brice Williams is the most important player for the 49ers in this game. He is the unicorn on this team, yes along with Aly Khalifa, but what I see in Brice is totally different. He can not only shoot the three, but he can create his own shot, get to the rim, shoots a good percentage from the free throw line, etc.
If Brice has a good game, the 49ers could very well walk out of Davidson with a win.
Looking to Gameday
Action gets underway from Davidson at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 29, and can be viewed on ESPN+ or you can listen to 730 The Game also. The Wildcats currently have a 56.9 percent chance to win the game based on ESPN’s matchup predictor, and when the spread comes out will likely be in the ballpark of around -4.5.
