Spears helps Charlotte beat Elon 75-61, earning date with No. 9 Duke in NIT Season Tip-Off
By APMonday, November 16, 2009
Charlotte beats Elon 75-61 in NIT Season Tip-Off
DURHAM, N.C. — Shamari Spears scored 16 of his 23 points in the second half and Charlotte beat Elon 75-61 on Monday night in the first round of the NIT Season Tip-Off.
Rashad Coleman added 11 points and Dijuan Harris had 10 for the 49ers (2-0). They shot 41 percent in advancing to a second-round matchup against No. 9 Duke on Tuesday night.
Josh Bonney scored 15 points and Adam Constantine added 11 for the Phoenix (1-1). They will face Coastal Carolina in a consolation game.
Charlotte only briefly trailed and gave itself plenty of breathing room with a 25-10 run that bridged halftime. Dijuan Harris’ dunk with 6½ minutes before the break made it 20-14 and started the game-breaking spurt.
Derrio Green ended the run with a steal and layup that made it 43-24 with 18 minutes remaining, and the 49ers’ lead stayed in double figures the rest of the way.
