International update: Charlotte 49ers sweep trip to Canada

Looking to build around the return of their leading scorer and two Conference USA all-freshmen honorees, the Charlotte 49ers are off to a fast start during their summer tour of British Columbia.

The 49ers completed a three-game sweep during their recent trip, which began Aug. 10. They will finally return home in two days.

Charlotte opened with an 89-71 victory over the University of British Columbia on Aug. 11. Last year’s leading scorer, Braxton Ogbueze, led all scorers with 23 points. Jon Davis added 21 points and Quentin Jackson chipped in 13 points and four assists as well, as the only other Charlotte players to score in double figures.

The next day, the 49ers followed that up with a victory over Trinity Western, 95-58. Again, it was Ogbueze who led the way with 22 points in just 17 minutes. Benas Griciunas added 14 points and 7 rebounds, Davis scored 12 points, and Anthony Vanhook provided a solid all-around game, adding 14 points, six rebounds and four steals.

The 49ers then took a couple days off before topping Victoria, 92-73, on Monday. For the third game in a row, Ogbueze led Charlotte in scoring, this time with 19 points. The finale also saw another balanced attack. Vanhook scored 14 points while Davis, Griciunas, and JC Washington all scored 13 a piece.

This early success is an excellent motivation boost to a fairly young Charlotte team. With six newcomers and some returners who saw limited action last season, the exhibition games give the team time to build chemistry.

Before the team left for their international trip, second-year Charlotte coach Mark Price said in a release:

"I'm excited that we get 10 extra practices plus several games,".

"It will be a fun trip for the guys, give them time to bond together. It's exactly what we need since are a relatively young team. This is a great way to get a jump start on the season."