Associated Press
CHARLOTTE ó Charlotte’s Shamari Spears didn’t expect to have an easy time against Mercer. The Bears lived up to his expectations Tuesday night just one game before the 49ers tip off against Georgia Tech on Saturday.
Spears and Derrio Green scored 23 points each to help Charlotte overcome an early deficit and defeat Mercer 91-80.
Phil Jones added 11 points and Chris Braswell had his fifth double-double of the season with 14 points and 14 rebounds for the 49ers (10-2). Charlotte trailed by seven points midway through the first half before rallying.
Charlotte, which has won eight of its past nine games, is off to its best start since 2004, when the 49ers began the season 12-2.
“We needed a dogfight,” Spears said. “It let the guys know it’s going to be on Saturday. If we looked at this game as a cakewalk, how’s that going to help us prepare for Saturday?
“But we knew this game wasn’t going to be a cakewalk because they’ve got people who can score the ball and they’re definitely a physical team. That’s what we needed as a wakeup call because this is what it’s going to be like on Saturday.”
Spears, who is from Salisbury, shot 10 of 19 from the field and grabbed six boards. K.J. Sherrill (West Rowan) had one rebound in two minutes off the bench against the Bears (4-8).