Shamari Spears scored 25 points and Alan Major picked up his first victory as Charlotte's coach, 90-81 against South Carolina State on Saturday.
Spears spurred the 49ers (1-1) with timely rebounds, two 3-pointers and even two assists. Jamar Briscoe scored 15 and Chris Braswell keyed an early second-half run with two rebounds and a block for Charlotte. Braswell scored 15 and Dario Green added 11 for Charlotte, which led by 17 before a late Bulldogs rally.
S.C. State led until the final seconds of the first half in its season opener. Brandon Riley led the Bulldogs with 23 points, and Omar Sanders and Joe Ikhinmwin added 12 each. Three players fouled out for S.C. State.
Charlotte's Phil Jones served a one-game suspension for violation of team rules.
