Nov. 17, 2000

Box Score

Charlotte, N.C. - Freshman forward Rodney White scored 22 points to lead six 49ers in double figures as Charlotte defeated Fordham, 89-75, in the first round of the CoSIDA Classic. The 49ers will meet NC State in Saturday's Championship game.

The 49ers built a 46-30 halftime lead thanks, in part, to the play of senior forward James Zimmerman (9 points in the half) and junior Cam Stephens (10 points and 5 rebounds). The 49ers hit eight three-pointers in the opening frame and pushed the lead to a high of 24, 62-38, on a White three-pointer at 15:26. The Rams (0-1) raced back on the three-point efforts of Jason Harris, who finished with 28 points on 8-of-14 threes (six in the second half).

The Rams gots as close as four, 64-60, but an 8-0 Charlotte run pushed the lead back to double-figures.

White hit 6-10 field goals, both threes and added 8-of-9 foul shots to finish with 22 points in 24 minutes. Resident stat-stuffer Zimmerman closed with 16 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals. Stephens had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Junior Jobey Thomas added 14 points and both Diego Guevara and Demon Brown had 10. The last time the 49ers had six players score in double figures was Feb. 26, 1997 in a 72-71 loss to #17 Louisville.

"I was pleased," said head coach Bobby Lutz. "We knew they were explosive. Their guards are really good. You have to give them credit. I've said all along that I think we'll get better as the year goes on, and hopefully we'll be a lot better tomorrow night, because we'll need to be."

The 49ers meet host NC State at 9:20 in the title game. The Wolfpack defeated Penn, 77-64.