DURHAM, N.C. (AP) -Shamari Spears scored 16 of his 23 points in the second half and Charlotte beat Elon 75-61 on Monday night in the first round of the NIT Season Tip-Off.
Rashad Coleman added 11 points and Dijuan Harris had 10 for the 49ers (2-0). They shot 41 percent in advancing to a second-round matchup against No. 9 Duke on Tuesday night.
Josh Bonney scored 15 points and Adam Constantine added 11 for the Phoenix (1-1). They will face Coastal Carolina in a consolation game.
Charlotte only briefly trailed and gave itself plenty of breathing room with a 25-10 run that bridged halftime. Dijuan Harris' dunk with 6 1/2 minutes before the break made it 20-14 and started the game-breaking spurt.
Derrio Green ended the run with a steal and layup that made it 43-24 with 18 minutes remaining, and the 49ers' lead stayed in double figures the rest of the way.
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
Copyright 2013
The Associated Press
All Rights Reserved