Charlotte, NC – The Niners were back in action Thursday night, returning to the friendly confines of Halton Arena where it previously won 9 of its 11 home games this season. The Niners took on a physical Louisiana Tech team led by reigning Conference USA Freshman of the Year, Kenneth Lofton Jr. The second-year sensation is having a phenomenal season, averaging over 17 points per game for Head Coach Eric Konkol.
Charlotte opened the game with a 7-0 run before an Austin Butler three pointer stretched the lead to 10-2. The Bulldogs went to work on the low block, where the hefty 6’7 Lofton Jr. has been a load for opponents all season. Defensively, Charlotte sent a double-team Lofton Jr.’s way, forcing the Bulldogs out of its comfort zone and into perimeter shooting. However the Bulldogs were able to capitalize from the outside, shooting 44% from the field and 57% from three before snatching it’s first lead of the game with 3:27 left to go in the half. Louisiana Tech took a 33-32 lead into the break and appeared to have momentum on its side as Charlotte struggled late in the first half to generate offense and knock down outside shots, shooting 3-10 from deep.
The two foes would spend much of the early part of the second half trading blows before the Bulldogs went on a 7-0 run of its own to jump out to a 49-43 lead with 12:36 to go, putting pressure on the Niners to bolster it’s offensive output. Syracuse transfer Robert Braswell would answer the call, knocking down two three pointers within a two minute span to shrink the deficit down to one. Jahmir Young would also step up late as the junior guard finished with a game high 28 points on the night. The excitement would be short-lived as Louisiana Tech would answer with a 9-0 run, capped off by a Keaston Willis three.
With five minutes to go in regulation, Charlotte was able to stay within striking distance as the Bulldogs tried to play keep away. Cylde Trapp would bring the crowd to its feet with a dunk on the far baseline before Louisiana Tech guard Amorie Archibald answered with a nearly identical slam of his own. The Bulldog lead grew to seven with 1:45 in the game and Louisiana Tech never looked back as the team escaped with an impressive victory at Halton Arena.
Despite Lofton Jr. finishing near his points per game average at 18 points, the Bulldogs showed more balance than what Charlotte may have anticipated. Lousisiana Tech had four players finish in double figures including a 16 points on 50% shooting night from guard Keaston Willis.
After the game, Coach Ron Sanchez talked about the team’s discipline. “When the game is on the line you have be extra disciplined,” said Sanchez. “We have to take step forward in those moments in adversity where we become more disciplined and stay fundamentally sound. We’re going to watch film and find those breakdowns.”
When asked about the team’s disappointment following the loss in front of an intense Niner crowd, Sanchez addressed Charlotte’s passionate fan base. “Every loss is disappointing,” said Sanchez. These guys are working hard and going through alot to be on the floor, stay healthy and battle hard. It’s disappointing but I hope they appreciate the effort and fight that this team is putting forth when they step on the floor. “
