NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Ahmad Caver had 20 points as Old Dominion topped Charlotte 73-60 on Saturday.
B.J. Stith had 17 points for Old Dominion (21-6, 11-3 Conference USA), which won its fifth straight game. Xavier Green added 10 points and six rebounds.
The win also solidified ODU as the top team heading into Conference USA’s new pod format.
As such, the Monarchs will host third-place Western Kentucky next Saturday, and second-place Southern Miss on Wednesday, March 6. The team will travel to fourth-place Texas- San Antonio on February 28, and to fifth-place Alabama-Birmingham on March 9.
“Now, the next step is making sure we do what we need to do, and try to finish first and win the regular season,” said head coach Jeff Jones.
A regular season championship would at least guarantee Old Dominion an invite to the National Invitational Tournament, but Caver said the team’s goals are much bigger.
“The ultimate goal is the NCAA tournament,” said the senior. “I think, what we got on our team and what our gameplan is, I think that can get us there.”
Milos Supica had 16 points for the 49ers (6-19, 3-11). Jon Davis added 13 points. He also had 10 turnovers but only four assists. Malik Martin had 12 points.
The Monarchs improve to 2-0 against the 49ers on the season. Old Dominion defeated Charlotte 76-70 on Jan. 21.
