The Charlotte 49ers Men’s Basketball team achieved a historic victory at Temple in Philadelphia, securing their first-ever win over the Owls with a score of 73-70. A standout performance from Lu’Cye Patterson, who scored a game-high 22 points, propelled the Niners to this milestone win and marked his achievement of reaching 1,000 career points. This victory holds significant importance for the Niners, as they had previously been unsuccessful in their six attempts at Temple.

Maintaining a 14-point lead with a score of 63-49 and only five minutes and 34 seconds left, the Niners faced a resilient effort from Temple, who narrowed the deficit to 70-68 with just 31 seconds on the clock. Despite the tense final moments, Charlotte managed to maintain their lead throughout the game, ultimately claiming the victory. Head Coach Aaron Fearne highlighted Temple’s determination and the challenge his team faced in preserving their lead until the end.

In a game where Temple had 15 more shot attempts than the Niners, Charlotte evening the odds by converting 21 of 29 free throws, as opposed to Temple’s 9-of-12 free throw record. Additionally, Charlotte displayed a remarkable turnaround in the second half, taking 27 free throws after only attempting two in the first half.

Patterson’s exceptional performance on the court significantly contributed to the Niners’ triumph. Surpassing 1,000 career points, Patterson expressed gratitude towards his teammates for their support and set his sights on leading the team to an American Conference Championship and, ultimately, the NCAA Tournament.

Dishon Jackson and Igor Milicic Jr. also delivered standout performances, with Jackson achieving his first double-double and Milicic Jr. recording his eighth of the season. The contributions of both players played a crucial role in securing the Niners’ historic victory at Temple.

Several game-changing moments were witnessed, including an 11-0 run that extended the Niners’ lead from 52-49 to 63-49. Furthermore, Jackson Threadgill’s pivotal defensive play at the final buzzer prevented Temple from forcing the game into overtime, solidifying Charlotte’s win.

Moving forward, the Niners are poised to host UTSA at Halton Arena following their triumphant victory over Temple. As they continue their journey in the AAC, the team is preparing for an exciting matchup against UTSA on February 15.

Charlotte’s remarkable performance against Temple is a testament to the team’s resilience and skill on the court. With their focus on securing further victories in the conference, the Niners continue to showcase their strength and determination as they strive for success in the NCAA Tournament.