Observations from Wednesday's win over G. Washington

-A new aspect to Charlotte forward Shamari Spears’ game? Spears was 2-for-2 on 3-pointers in Wednesday night’s win over George Washington. Asked after the game if fans should expect to see him play more behind the 3-point line, he said, “No. I make a living down low and that’s where I’m going to stay.”

-A disturbing trait – costly first-half turnovers – returned to plague Charlotte. The 49ers turned the ball over in three of its first four possessions while George Washington ran out to a 9-0 lead. Charlotte had seven turnovers total in the first half leading to 10 points for the Colonials. The 49ers ended the game with 13 turnovers which turned into 18 George Washington points.

-Charlotte coach Bobby Lutz is not afraid to go to his bench when he thinks his team needs a spark. When the 49ers’ starters fell behind 14-2 early in the first half, Lutz brought in Ian Andersen and Javarris Barnett of the bench. Both hit 3-pointers in a 19-7 Charlotte run which allowed the 49ers to take their first lead of the game.

-Charlotte freshman forward Chris Braswell entered Wednesday’s game not only as one of the top rebounders in the A-10, but he also is among the best Division I freshman. He ranked fifth, averaging 9.0 per game. Braswell picked up two quick fouls in the first half and played just 16 minutes in the game (four in the first half). Junior forward Charles Dewhurst filled in on rebounding, collecting seven by halftime and 11 in the game.

-The 49ers return to action on Saturday at 2 p.m. when they play at Fordham – the first of two consecutive league road games.