The women’s basketball team from Charlotte demonstrated a return to form on Wednesday, securing a 65-56 victory over the Memphis Tigers at Halton Arena. Following a challenging period, the 49ers displayed a cohesive and unified performance, resulting in a much-needed win. Coach Consuegra praised the team’s resilience, emphasizing their ability to overcome obstacles and maintain control of the game.
Dazia Lawrence delivered a standout performance, achieving 30 points and nine rebounds on an impressive 12-for-20 shooting. Lawrence’s offensive prowess, coupled with strong contributions from Jacee Busick, Keanna Rembert, and Olivia Porter, were instrumental in the team’s success. In the absence of Imani Smith, Nia Young stepped up, demonstrating her readiness to make a significant impact when called upon.
The team’s statistics reflect their impressive performance. Charlotte shot over 50% in the game, marking the fifth instance this season, resulting in a perfect 5-0 record. When Dazia Lawrence scores 20+ points in conference play, the team remains undefeated at 6-0. Their dominance in the paint and ability to capitalize on turnovers were crucial factors in maintaining their control of the game.
The team displayed a sense of urgency from the outset, exhibiting efficient shooting and forcing turnovers in the first half. Their solid defensive effort was evident in limiting Memphis to a low shooting percentage. Despite facing a resurgence from Memphis in the third quarter, the Niners managed to counter and extend their lead going into the final quarter.
In the closing moments of the game, timely scoring and key defensive stops sealed the victory for the Charlotte 49ers, putting an end to their recent losing streak. Coach Consuegra lauded the team’s capacity to regroup and execute pivotal plays when it mattered the most.
Former 49er KeKe McKinney, now a part of the coaching staff for the Memphis Tigers, received recognition for her contributions to both programs. The game also served as a celebration of McKinney’s dedication to the coaching profession following her successful college basketball career.
Looking ahead, Charlotte will embark on a Texas swing trip, facing SMU and North Texas in their upcoming games. The team’s focus will now shift to maintaining their winning momentum and building on the valuable lessons learned from their recent games.
The highlights of the game underscored the team’s exceptional efforts and the thrilling moments that contributed to their well-deserved victory. The win over Memphis has undoubtedly infused renewed positivity and determination into the Charlotte women’s basketball team as they prepare for their upcoming challenges.