Tipoff was pushed way back due to Eastern Kentucky-Southern Utah going to double overtime. Charlotte ranks 19th nationally in 3-point percentage (37.7 percent), and I like the 49ers to shoot their way into the CBI finals. Charlotte owns wins over Boise State and North Texas, but the talented 49ers haven't always put it together this season. They're clicking now. Look for Brice Williams, a 6-7 junior averaging 22.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in this tournament, to lead the 49ers to a win and cover over Radford.

Finally a team in the CBI that I've actually seen play on TV this year! No offense to the others but Charlotte is actually a solid team from Conference USA. They have easily taken care of their first two CBI opponents in Daytona Beach, whereas Radford played overtime against 17-17 Tarleton State before surprisingly taking care of San Jose State yesterday. The Highlanders are playing their third game in three days, while the 49ers had a day off in between the first and second round. I liked the line better when it was -3 earlier today but would still play it up to 6.5 or so. Take Charlotte to advance to the championship game.

Charlotte belongs to a superior league and should be more refreshed for the CBI semifinal matchup. Redford has dropped five straight outright against CUSA members. The 49ers benefit from a day off between their first two games, whereas the Highlanders must play their third straight in as many days -- with an overtime game thrown in the mix. The Highlanders rely on forced turnovers, but the 49ers are not prone to committing them.

CBI game from Daytona Beach. Charlotte was the only favorite in the four games to win Monday and beat a good Milwaukee club by 11 -- leading wire-to-wire. The 49ers are the best team left in the event, in my opinion. Junior Brice Williams is averaging 22.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in CLT's wins over Western Carolina and Milwaukee. 49ers big man Aly Khalifa (11.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg) should dominate against the smallish, guard-oriented Highlanders.