Monmouth | 49ers' Next Opponent

The Charlotte 49ers (3-1) play Monmouth at 3:30 p.m. Monday for fourth place in 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 Hawks (1-3), who are coming off a 59-50 victory over Wichita State.

WHAT'S GONE RIGHT

Not much until the Hawks became a different team defensively in the second half of their win Saturday over Wichita State, giving them their first victory of the season. Monmouth held the Shockers to four field goals over a span of 16 minutes 30 seconds in the second half and forced 17 turnovers for the game. Monmouth's Jhamar Youngblood scored 14 of his 17 points in the second half.

WHAT'S GONE WRONG

Until Saturday's win, the Hawks have had difficulty on offense. They managed just 33 points Friday against Notre Dame and for much of the first half against Wichita State couldn't even get good looks at the basket. The opened the season with close losses at Colgate and at Seton Hall and appeared headed to an 0-4 start until their second half rally against Wichita State.

WILD CARD

Charlotte's defense has been consistently effective this season even when its offense has been spotty. With the problems Monmouth has had offensively so far this season, another strong defensive effort by the 49ers should give the Hawks fits.