ELON, N.C. (AP) Pierria Henry and Braxton Oqbueze scored 12 points apiece and Charlotte earned a season-opening 73-60 victory over Elon on Sunday.
Mike Thorne Jr. chipped in eight points with 13 rebounds and Willie Clayton grabbed 10 boards for the 49ers, who shot 50 percent from the field. Henry also had six assists and five rebounds.
Cameron Blakley hit a trio of 3-pointers to spark an 11-2 run for Charlotte (1-0), pushing their lead to 15 late in the first half.
Elon (1-1) stormed back within three in the second half, but the 49ers countered with a 16-4 surge capped by Henry's jumper to make it 56-41 with 7:17 remaining.
The Phoenix never led and were limited to 22-of-69 shooting (31.9 percent). Elijah Bryant led Elon with 14 points and Ryan Winters had 10 with 11 rebounds.
