The Charlotte 49ers (2-1) play Illinois-Chicago at 6 p.m. Saturday in the second round of the Paradise Jam tournament at the University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center in St. Thomas. Jim Utter takes a quick look at the Flames (2-1), who are coming off a 72-58 loss to Winthrop.
WHAT'S GONE RIGHT
Illinois-Chicago started the season 2-0 with home wins over Bradley and Illinois-Springfield. Junior guard Josh Mayo continues to be a potent offensive force and averaged 23.5 points in Flames' first two games. Mayo and 7-foot-1 center Scott VanderMeer are a good inside-outside punch. VanderMeer had a school-record 105 blocks last season.
WHAT'S GONE WRONG
Winthrop worked extensively on taking away Illinois-Chicago's ability to drive to the basket and the result was forcing the Flames to take shots from the outside, where they are not as proficient. Mayo struggled with his shot and committed a very uncharacteristic seven turnovers.
WILD CARD
Charlotte's athleticism and defensive effort should allow the 49ers to work a similar game-plan against Illinois-Chicago as did Winthrop. However, the 49ers, which start four new players, are coming off their first loss of the season. How Charlotte's players respond to that loss will likely determine the game.
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2 comments:
It's a shame. We play so hard on defense and then give up a tipped rebound and have to settle for an opponent no one cares for...
How often is Dewhurst going to miss all 7 shots? Probably not again. As good as Dijuan played, he's got to make FTs. And, Phil can't be timid. he has to catch the ball and make shots.
If, if, if, almost, almost, almost.
I hope we come out of the Islands 4-1, but we're so bad with our shooting right now, we could lose all 3.
I still LOVE this team's make-up and they are going to progress as soon as their offense catches up.
WHY DO WE SHOOT SO BADLY?
We should be up on UIC by a dozen.
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