UNCG (1-10) @ Western Carolina (6-5)

When: Thursday, Jan 8 6 pm
Where: Ramsey Center (7,826)
TV: None

Western Carolina Athletics
WCU Forum

Spartan Notes:
- Last time out. Princeton hit 11-12 free throws down the stretch to pull away from UNCG 65-55. Ben Stywall led the Spartans with 13 points and 8 rebounds. UNCG cut Princeton's 15 point first half lead down to 3 with a little over a minute remaining, but could get no closer.
- Last season UNCG swept the Catamounts, winning in Cullowhee 74-62 and 60-55 in Fleming Gym.
- UNCG is averaging just 58.2 point per game this season and are in the midst of a 9 game losing streak. The last Spartan win was against Webber International in Fleming Gym back on November 17.
- Mikko Koivisto is leading UNCG in scoring (11.5) and assists (2.5). Ben Stywall is the leading rebounder (8.4) for the Spartans.
-For the year, UNCG is shooting 35.8% from the field, 28.2% from behind the arc and 65.7% from the free throw line.

Catamounts Notes:
- WCU defeated Furman in Greenville on Saturday, 68-57. Brandon Giles scored 25 points and had 8 rebounds.
- UNCG and WCU have played one common opponent this year, Kent State. While UNCG lost to the Golden Flashes (73-62), the Catamounts defeated KSU 89-84 in overtime.
- There are 3 Catamount players averaging in double figures. Giles is WCU's leading scorer, averaging 14.5 points. Jake Robinson the leading rebounder (4.9) and Brigham Wagner is leading WCU in assists (3.7).
- For the year, WCU is shooting 45% from the field, 36.8% from 3 point range and 62.6% from the free throw line.

My Thoughts:
This is getting harder and harder to write as the year progresses. I just don't think this is a good match up for UNCG. WCU shoots a relatively high percentage from the field and from behind the arc. UNCG hasn't shown any offensive firepower this year. So, the best bet for a close game is to get in an ugly defensive affair.

If somehow UNCG can contain Giles and finding their shot, then there's a chance to go to Cullowhee and get a win. But with this team, I'm starting to lose faith. Hopefully, I can regain some tonight.

Go Spartans !!!