In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, the Charlotte 49ers men's basketball team mounted an impressive comeback against the College of Charleston. Despite their valiant effort, the Niners ultimately fell short with a final score of 84-81. The game showcased remarkable individual performances and strategic plays that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Dramatic Second-Half Comeback Falls Just Short for Charlotte 49ers

The contest unfolded in Honolulu, Hawaii, on the last day of the tournament. With 21 points separating the teams midway through the second half, it seemed like an uphill battle for the Niners. However, Jaehshon Thomas emerged as the hero, scoring a career-high 23 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Nik Graves also played a pivotal role, contributing crucial baskets and nearly forcing overtime with a potential game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer.

The first half saw the Cougars dominate, leading by as much as 15 points. Charlotte struggled with rebounding and shooting efficiency, allowing Charleston to control the tempo. The tide began to turn when Thomas ignited a late-game rally, hitting consecutive three-pointers and energizing his teammates. The Niners outscored the Cougars 50-38 in the second half, bringing the game within striking distance in the final moments.

A key play came when Giancarlo Rosado secured an offensive rebound and found Nika Metskhvarishvili for a dunk, reducing the deficit to just two points. Unfortunately, Graves' attempt to send the game into overtime hit the rim and bounced away, sealing the victory for the Cougars.

Coach Aaron Fearne praised his team's resilience and execution during the comeback but acknowledged areas needing improvement, particularly discipline and concentration. He emphasized the importance of learning from this experience to build a stronger foundation moving forward.

Statistically, the Niners made significant improvements in the second half, outrebounding the Cougars and dominating the paint. Graves added 14 points, including 12 in the second half, while Metskhvarishvili had a standout performance with 11 points, three steals, and a block.

Looking ahead, the Charlotte 49ers will face Tulane in their next game, set for December 31st, as they kick off American Athletic Conference play.

This game serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and teamwork. It highlights the importance of staying focused and disciplined throughout the entire match. For the Niners, this loss is not just a setback but a valuable lesson that can propel them to greater heights in future competitions.