CHARLOTTE, NC- Charlotte women’s basketball kicks off Thanksgiving weekend with two contests at the Daytona Beach Invitational, beginning Friday night at the Ocean Center on “the world’s most famous beach.” The Niners take on Illinois from the Big Ten on Friday before taking on Cincinnati on Saturday. Both betting times are set to 5:45 p.m

“We’ve had a good week, we’re growing as a team and we like the start to the season we’ve had,” head coach began Cara Consuegra. I like the way we’ve prepared and we’ve had a really good practice session today.”

ONE-TWO PUNCH

Mikayla Boykin and Dazia Lawrence Enter this weekend as the top two points in Conference USA. Boykin has 70 points in four games while Lawrence has 68 points. On a per game basis, Boykin ranks third in C-USA with 17.5, with Lawrence fourth with 17.0. Lawrence also leads in field goals with 27, Boykin leads with 68 field goal attempts, while Lawrence and Jada McMillian are one-two in minutes per game (just under 36/game).

HOME SWEET HOME

Charlotte has remained perfect at home this season (3-0) after a 55-47 win over VCU on November 20th. Boykin lost a game-high 24 points and recorded her second career double-double with 10 rebounds. Keanna Rembert added 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting in the second half while Lawrence lost 10 to give the Niners three double digits for the first time this season.

200!

Charlotte head coach Cara Consuegra secured her 200th career win in the 55-47 win over VCU on November 20. Consuegra was ranked 176th as the program’s all-time winning coach last season. Ironically, it was also the team’s 200th win under Consuegra as the opponent was less than 50% shot in the game.

ILLINI VIEW

Illinois (5-0) travel to Daytona unbeaten in five home games this season. The Illini have recorded five losses against LIU, Alcorn State, McNeese State, Evansville and most recently Oakland. Each win was secured by at least 29 points.

Consuegra on the Illini

“They’re playing at a really high level. They’re 5-0 and blowing everyone away. It’s going to be a challenge, they have great plays. I’m really looking forward to the guard matchup. It’s going to be really fun to watch and the difference in the game .”

BEARCATS STRIKE

Cincinnati (3-2) dropped their season opener at state-ranked Louisville before leading Tennessee Tech and Radford at home. The Bearcats fell to Toledo 74-71 in overtime last week before beating Lindenwood 71-60 last Monday night.

Consuegra on familiarity with Cincinnati

“I’ve known Michelle since her days in western Kentucky. With a 24-hour turnaround and no training, no preparation, it helps to be familiar with your trainer’s style. I only expect the best from them when they play hard and compete and they are really good. Those are two great matchups for us.”

ALL TIMES AGAINST

Friday marks the first-ever meeting on the hardwood between Charlotte and Illinois. Cincinnati has an all-time 12-6 lead, with Saturday being their first meeting since November 2013.

FOLLOW ALONG DAYTONA

FloHoops will stream coverage for both games online this weekend along with the 49ers’ usual radio show. Statistics for both, including live statistics, can be found at http://www.charlotte49ers.com.

Consuegra on playing at Daytona

“I always love doing those Thanksgiving tournaments where you compete as a team, spend time together and have a great Thanksgiving dinner tonight. It helps you grow, learn from each other and get closer as a team.”

INVITATION SCHEDULE

Friday

11 a.m. Delaware, Fresno State

1:15 p.m. Penn State/Toledo

3:30 p.m. Cincinnati/UT Arlington

5:45 p.m.: Charlotte, Illinois

Saturday

11:00 a.m. Fresno State/Penn State

1:15 p.m. UT Arlington/Toledo

3:30 p.m. Illinois/Delaware

5:45 p.m. Charlotte/Cincinnati