CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Jobey Thomas scored 26 points and Cam Stevens added 12 points and 13 rebounds Saturday night as Charlotte recorded a 76-68 victory over No. 25 Marquette in the Conference USA opener for both schools.
Stephens notched his fifth double-double of the season for the 49ers (7-5), who have beaten the Golden Eagles in all eight meetings at Charlotte.
Marquette (11-3) was led by sophomore guard Dwyane Wade, who returned to the lineup after suffering a knee injury in last Saturday's 64-59 loss at then-No. 25 Wake Forest. Wade scored 12 points but shot just 5-of-15 and committed five turnovers.
A pair of Marquette starters fouled out as the 49ers converted 23 of 33 from the free-throw line with Thomas sinking 11 of 12.
Oluoma Nnamaka fouled out with 14 points for the Golden Eagles, who have dropped three out of four after winning their first 10 and will likely drop out of the national rankings.
