SoCon Monster Game of the Week: UNC-Charlotte at Davidson

Here. We. Go.

It's a rivalry game over the city of Charlotte. Which team will rule the city? Which team will wind up finding their way through this landmine game?

The Wildcats have lost multiple times to the 49ers over the years, often when it is least expected. This is one of those times. The Wildcats are supposed to win this game. This is supposed to be Davidson's year.

However, now, the 49ers are 7-0, and unbeaten. There is no reason to think that they can not compete in this game. They have been pointing to it as a chance to prove themselves, and prove that they are ready to compete on a national level. Are they ready to walk into Davidson's home building and pull off the upset? The best team they have beaten so far? Probably Northeastern.

What about Davidson? A couple of nice wins over Vanderbilt and West Virginia has been muted by the fact that neither team appear very good right now. The loss to New Mexico is hurting the Wildcats right now. Not as much as that loss to Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Are the Wildcats ready to win this game?

Chris Braswell leads the 49ers with 15.2 points per game and 6.7 rebounds per game. Braswell is a 6-9 senior. He is shooting 50.8% from the field. He is making 72.7% from the free throw line. Braswell is a very good player, and will be tough for the Wildcats to figure out a way to guard him.

DeMario Mayfield is a 6-5 guard. He is averaging 10.6 points per game. However, he does not have a great shot. He has made 2 of 13 three point range. He is shooting 43.6% from the floor, while averaging 2.6 rebounds and two assists per game. Terrence Williams ia a 6-4 guard, and has made just 1 of 14 three pointers. He is also averaging 10.6 points per game, with 4.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists per contest. Pierria Henry leads the 49ers in assists with 4.0 per game and 4.9 rebounds. He also is averaging 7.7 points per game.

The 49ers are averaging shooting just 12.6 three pointers per game. This is a good strategy for them- they are making just 26.1% from downtown. The 49ers are a good rebounding team, coming in at 61st in the country in OR% and 149th in DR%.

Davidson is a team that those that follow the SoCon know all about. The Wildcats rank in the bottom third in the country in OR% and DR%. They also foul a lot. Those are the teams two weaknesses, though. The Wildcats are number five in the country in FT% at 79% on the year.

De'Mon Brooks is the go-to guy on this team. With 16.7 points per game and 6.0 rebounds per game, he leads the team in both categories. The good news for the Wildcats is that Jake Cohen has found his way back again. After struggling early in the year, Cohen seems to have found his footing. He is second on the team with 11.4 points and 5.6 reboudns per game. These two guys lead the Wildcats attack again.

Tyler Kalinoski, Nik Cochran, and JP Kuhlman are other key contributors. But Chris Czerapowicz is one of the most important players on the roster. He can get red hot from three point range. When is shooting well, it really opens up the inside game. He is the most pure shooter for them. He has an eFG% of 58.9%.

The Wildcats will shoot the ball extraordinarily well. The key may be how well the Wildcats rebound against the 49ers. If they can maintain an even level on rebounding (especially in percentage, not just in total rebounds), then they will be successful in this game. Of course, the 49ers slashing offense may cause them trouble, as it has in the past. The Wildcats are not a great defensive team on the perimeter. A little slashing could be dangerous to them.

LEAD PIPE LOCK PREDICTIONS THAT ARE SURE TO GO WRONG
--The 49ers will shoot very well from the floor.
--The Wildcats will match their shooting effort.
--Czerapowicz is going to explode and be the star of this game.
--The rebounding battle will come out roughly even.
--Davidson 76, Charlotte 72. This one comes down to the end, but in the end, the Wildcats will make their free throws down the stretch, handing the 49ers their first loss.