Charlotte is back in Halton Arena to play host to four straight home games. The first opponent, Middle Tennessee. Charlotte was swept by the Blue Raiders last year, including the loss in the first round of the Conference USA tournament. But the 49ers come on a wave of momentum after beating Southern Miss and an impressive performance against Louisana Tech. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.

SPREAD THE WEALTH

For two consecutive games, five players have scored in double-figures for Charlotte. There were four players that scored in double figures in both games – Jon Davis, Braxton Ogbueze, Joseph Uchebo and Andrien White. Uchebo is becoming a rebounding force and a nightly double-double. In the overtime defeat at Louisana Tech, Uchebo had 18 points and 20 rebounds. On the year, he averages 10.3 points and 9.3 rebounds. With Uchebo anchoring the interior, Charlotte likes to spread the game out with three guards. Two of the three guards have been named “C-USA Freshman of the Week,” Jon Davis and Andrien White, and the other is the leading scorer, Braxton Ogbueze.

It appears that when these four players combine for quality performances, Charlotte will be successful. Going against Middle Tennessee, all five of their losses have come when four players have scored seven or more points. Seven will be a goal for individual points as Charlotte looks to capture their second conference victory.

Joseph Uchebo spots up. Photo by Chris Crews

MIDDLE TENNESSEE SCOUTING REPORT

The Blue Raiders are currently on a two-game winning streak after dropping their first C-USA game. Middle Tennessee has played a good schedule, beating the likes of UNC Asheville (who beat Georgetown earlier in the year) and Auburn. Four players average double-figures in points for Middle Tennessee and each player also shoots above 40 percent from 3-point land. Sophomore guard Giddy Portis leads the Blue Raiders in scoring with 15 points per game. A matchup to watch will be the battle in the paint with Uchebo and Reggie Upshaw for Middle Tennessee. On the year, Upshaw averages 14 points and 8 rebounds, but can spread the floor as well by connecting on 42 percent of his 3-point attempts. This may force Uchebo away from the paint to defend the perimeter and cause rebounding problems for Charlotte.

As a team, Middle Tennessee have played in tight games all year, only outscoring opponents by four points. But one weakness for the Blue Raiders is their tendency to send opponents to free throw line. They’ve allowed more trips to the charity stripe than they’ve earned themselves. Charlotte will need to convert most of their free throw attempts if they want to open their homestand with a victory.