Martin Iti scores 16 points against Tulane. |
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Charlotte Claims Share of C-USA Title With 79-65 Win Over Tulane
March 6, 2004
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Leave it to a freshman to steal the thunder on senior day.
But 7-footer Martin Iti did just that on Saturday, turning in a career-high 16 points to help lead Charlotte to a 79-65 victory over Tulane and giving the 49ers their first 20-win season in 12 years. (Editor's note: This is the 49ers first 20-win regular-season since 1991-92. The 49ers have totalled 20 wins in four other seasons since 1991-92. This is the third 20-win season in Lutz's six seasons).
(Editor's Note: With the win the 49ers claimed a share of the Conference USA regular-season championship. It is the 49ers first regular-season title in the nine-year history of the league and the third league title under Lutz -- 2 C-USA Tourney, 1 C-USA regular-season)
Iti added seven rebounds to go along with sophomore Curtis Withers' game-high 20 points and 10 rebounds for the 49ers (20-7, 12-4 Conference USA). Demon Brown added 12 points for Charlotte.
Vincent Camper scored 15 points to lead Tulane (11-16, 4-12).
It was the first time Iti has come off the bench in 20 games, because Charlotte coach Bobby Lutz started senior Calvin Clemmons on the final home game of the season.
Lutz called it Iti's best game of the season.
"He was a presence rebounding and blocking shots today, too," Lutz said.
It was only the fourth time this season Iti, who came in averaging just six points a game, has scored in double figures. His previous career best was 15 points against Appalachian State.
"I feel like I have come a long way since the beginning of the season," Iti said. "I'm a lot more comfortable with my teammates and I know where people are at all times."
Charlotte fell behind by 14 points in the first half, but Lutz went to a
full court press and the momentum of the game quickly changed. The 49ers forced
13 first half Tulane turnovers and erased the deficit with a 29-4 run to take a
44-31 lead into the locker room.
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Tulane closed within eight late in the second half but Iti took over inside, scoring on three consecutive possessions, two coming on rim-rattling dunks.
"It was a good feeling to get the ball down low and I just tried to finish them off," Iti said.
Withers scored 11 of his 20 points from the foul line.
The game featured a heated exchange between Lutz and Tulane head coach Shawn Finney. Lutz was talking to an official at the end of the first half when Finney intervened. The two coaches exchanged words as they headed to the locker room, leaving the Halton Arena crowd booing Finney and chanting Lutz's name.
Lutz later said the coaches simply got caught up in the heat of the battle.
NOTES (Provided by Charlotte 49ers Sports information):
This is the 49ers first 20-win regular-season since 1991-92 and is head coach Bobby Lutz's third 20-win season as 49ers head coach.
Curtis Withers 15 double-doubles lead Conference USA and rank tied for third in 49ers' single-season history.
With three steals, Eddie Basden became the first 49er to post back-to-back 60-steal seasons in program history. He has 60 steals this year and had 61 last year.
Demon Brown scored 12 points, hitting two three-pointers. He is now seven points shy of joining Henry Williams as the only 49ers that rank among the program's Top 10 in scoring, assists and steals. He now has 334 career three-pointers, 12 shy of Jobey Thomas' all-time record (346).
