web Charlotte

Dec. 6, 2000

Box Score

Charlotte, N.C. - Eleven 49ers hit the scoring column as Charlotte (5-1) rolled past Charleston Southern (1-6), 88-46, to notch their third straight win -- all of which have come by more than 20 points.

Freshman Rodney White, who notched his first career double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds, outscored the Buccaneers, 18-17, in the first half as the 49ers built a 42-17 halftime lead. The lead grew to as much as 47, 87-40, marking the third time this year that the 49ers have led by as many as 30.

In the current three game win streak, the 49ers posted a 32-point win over Miami and a 21-point victory over South Carolina. All three wins have come at home.

"I think right now they're probably playing the best basketball in the country, except for maybe Duke," said Charleston Southern head coach Jim Platt.

White was joined in double figures by senior James Zimmerman (15 pts, 6 rebs, 4 asts, 2 steals) and sophomore Demon Brown (13 pts). Both White and Brown have scored in double figures in each game this season. Senior Diego Guevara had nine assists and junior Jobey Thomas added a career-high five steals.

"In the second half, (White) made a statement on the boards in place of Cam Stephens. Zimmerman does not get enough credit in this early season but he is a player that you can always count on to get the job done," said 49ers head coach Bobby Lutz.

Stephens sat out the game, nursing a sore shoulder. Senior KenKay Jones returned from a broken wrist to make his first appearance of the season. Jones scored seven points with two rebounds and one blocked shot in nine minutes of action.

The 49ers, who were averaging a nation's best 13.2 threes per game, hit a season-low nine treys but held a 34-14 advantage on points in the paint.

The 49ers take their three-game win streak on the road to Davidson, Saturday night.

The 49ers current 5-1 start is the best since 1995-96, when the Jeff Mullins-coached 49ers started with wins in five of their first six.