web Charlotte

Nov. 11, 2000

Box Score

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Freshman forward Rodney White scored 29 points in just 20 minutes of play to lead the Charlotte 49ers to a 101-76 exhibition victory over BC-Ventspils of Latvia. White hit 11-of-18 shots, including 4-of-6 threes, and scored 17 points in the opening five minutes of the second half. Sophomore Demon Brown, playing in his first season with the 49ers, added 21 points and nine assists from the point guard position. Senior guard Diego Guevara did not dress in order to rest a pulled groin muscle.

Five 49ers scored in double figures for the 49ers, who cracked the 100-point plateau for the second time in as many games. The 49ers beat the Global All-Stars 106-89 in their first exhibition game.

"I'm very pleased with the win against a quality exhibition opponent," said 49ers head coach Bobby Lutz. "Just looking at what they have done and you can see they are not your usual exhibition team."

BC-Ventspils is now 3-3 this fall, with wins over Clemson, Richmond and East Carolina and a two-point loss at Wake Forest and a four-point loss at NC State.

The 49ers led by as many as 13 during the first half, only to see Ventspils close to within five, 32-27 with 1:43 left in the half. But Charlotte outscored the Latvians 13-4 down the stretch to take a 45-31 halftime lead.

In the second half, White took command, scoring the Niners first seven points and 17 of the first 19 as the Niners pushed the lead past 20. White's three at 15:03 was his third of the half and gave the 49ers a 64-39 lead.

Junior Jobey Thomas added 15 points and junior center Jermaine Williams scored 10. Senior James Zimmerman added another quality performance with eight points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals.

BC-Ventspils, which came into the game shooting 47% from three-point range, was held to just 30% by the 49ers.

"Defensively, I was very pleased with what we accomplished tonight," Lutz added. "We still have some areas to improve and rebounding is one of them."

The 49ers complete the preseason with a perfect 2-0 record. The regular-season begins at NC State's CoSIDA Classic in Raleigh. The 49ers meet Fordham in the first round, Friday, Nov. 17 at 9:20. The 49ers home opener is Nov. 28 vs. Miami.