Sunday, November 29, 2009

Share your favorite Louisville game memories


In preparation for the Charlotte 49ers trip to Louisville in men's basketball, I'm going to look back at some of the biggest moments in the schools' rivalry, particularly while they battled in Conference USA.

What are some of your favorite moments from Charlotte-Louisville games? They can be good or bad, from wins or losses. I hope to share some of them in the story which will preview the game next Saturday.

Please share your thoughts in the comment section and leave your NAME and EMAIL address, so I can verify your comments if I elect to use them.

Some tidbits you may not recall: Twice in the 31-game history of the series, Charlotte won four straight against the Cardinals; Louisville's longest winning streak in the series was five in a row; and the 49ers own a perfect 3-0 record against Louisville in neutral site games.

11 comments:

Powerbait said...

Beating the snot out of them and ending an HOF coaches career at their place is probably one of the most amazing things Charlotte has ever done.

Cindy said...

the game in 94 when they were #4 and had Cliff Rozier, I would wager that was Charlotte's first ever legit court rush.

Unknown said...

Jan 23rd, 2002. It was my birthday, I met my fiance in Halton Arena during the game, and an amazing Niners win! What more of a memory could you ask for?

Unknown said...

Camping out for tixs and storming the court as we beat them back in 2003-04 season

Niner Advocate said...

3 way tie:

1) Feb 17th, 1994 - Charlotte 64, #5 Louisville 62. On ESPN, played at "the Big I" (now Bojangles Arena) - Niners (Lang/Kummer/Odom/Johnson/Davis) take down the #5 rated Cardinals. Niner big man Jermaine "the bookworm" Parker comes off the bench and makes some key blocks to preserve the victory. Boxscore: http://statsheet.com/mcb/games/1994/02/17/louisville-62-north-carolina-charlotte-64

2) Feb 11th, 2001 - Charlotte 106, Louisville 72. (@ Freedom Hall) Niners put the final nail in Denny Crum's coffin, much as they had done to South Carolina's Eddie Fogeler earlier in the season. This game was a laugher, as the UL faithful began chanting "mercy rule" in the second half. Boxscore: http://statsheet.com/mcb/games/2001/02/11/north-carolina-charlotte-106-louisville-72

3) February 12th, 2004 - Charlotte 77, #9 Louisville 71. Mitchell Baldwin fills in marvelously for Demon Brown, playing the entire 40 minutes, and committing no turnovers (along with 13 pts and 6 assists). Niners battle back from down 12 with 9 mins to go. Curtis Withers has a monster game - 23/10, and deep reserve Chris Sager hits 2 FTs to ice the game with 5 seconds to go. Little do the 49ers know that this will be there last win vs a top 10 team for the next 5 seasons.

Boxscore: http://statsheet.com/mcb/games/2004/02/12/louisville-71-north-carolina-charlotte-77

Anonymous said...

We've beaten Louisville more than they've beaten us, so it's hard to say. The win in '94 or the win in 2004 when Louisville was ranked in the top 5 and we were missing our starting point guard (Demon Brown).

CFrederick said...

My favorite 49er win over Louisville was the first one, a 77-68 overtime thriller at the (now extinct)Coliseum in January 1992. 13,000 fans watched Charlotte's first big home win as members of the Metro Conference. With Henry Williams leading the way, the 49ers went on to win the Metro Conference title that season.

Anonymous said...

Its nice to look back and remember when we actually cared about our conference games. The A-10 sucks!

NinerLove said...

I would have to agree that the 1994 win at the "Big I" is the most memorable. I was a student standing on the floor right behind the goal in the final minute as Rozier missed the free throws. Face painted (I think the only one in the building) and going nuts. Pretty sure I was the first one on the court after the game. We need more of these memories badly! Go NINERS!

Jim Utter said...

Cha49er and NinerLove, give me your names. I'd like to use your comments.

NA - your thoroughness is much appreciated!

Tenniner said...

Rodney White's CUSA tourney in Louisville. Stopping on the way at exit 49 on I-75 in Knoxville, at "The 49er" for some Karma, then watching Rodney take the Niners to victory.