Observations from Charlotte's victory over FAU

Observations from the 49ers' 62-53 victory over FAU:

-- The 49ers cleaned up a lot of what's been ailing them in the last few weeks. Most notably was the defensive effort, which limited FAU to 37.5 shooting from the field, 26.1 percent from 3-point range. Of Charlotte 42 rebounds, 29 were defensive, as well. Forward Willie Clayton said that was a point of emphasis a practice this week.

It was also a season low for points allowed for the 49ers.

"If you hold a team to 37.5 percent shooting, you're not going to lose too many games," said coach Alan Major.

The 49ers also committed just 11 turnovers and went 16-of-20 (80 percent) from the line.

-- Owls coach Mike Jarvis compared Major to Red Auerbach. Well, kind of. Well, not really. But here's what he said about 49ers sixth man Shawn Lester and his game-high 24 points and 11 rebounds:

“He had a big time effect. He’s a weapon. It’s very smart of (Major) to have a guy like that.

“There used to be a guy in Boston named Red Auerbach who liked to have his sixth man normally be one of his best players. I wish I could be afforded that luxury.”

-- Denzel Ingram, who has been 1-2 the Conference USA 3-point accuracy rankings with teammate Ben Cherry, has cooled off significantly recently. Ingram missed all three of his 3-pointers against FAU. He's 0-for-10 over the last four games after going 16 of 24 in the five previous games.   

-- There was a brief video tribute and moment of silence before the game for former 49ers great Lew Massey, who died last week.

-- Florida International (11-10, 3-3), Charlotte's Saturday opponent at Halton, lost 80-68 at Marshall on Thursday.