Friday, November 30, 2012

Citadel (3-2) @ UNCG (1-5)

When: Saturday, December 1 7 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617/23,500)
TV: None/Spartan All-Access

Citadel Athletics

UNCG Stats
Last Game: NC A&T (L 79-90) Recap
PPG: 78.8
RPG: 40.7
APG: 13.3
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (20.2)
Leader Reboudns: Kelvin McNeil (8.2)
Leader Assists: Drew Parker (3.8)
FG %: 41.8
3 Pt %: 32.3
FT %: 69.2

Citadel Stats
Last game: Radford (L 61-74) Recap
PPG: 73.8
RPG: 34.2
APG: 18.4
Leader Points: Mike Groselle (15.4)
Leader Rebounds: Mike Groselle (9.6)
Leader Assists: Marshall Harris III (5.8)
FG %: 50.0
3 Pt %: 37.2
FT %: 78.0

Thoughts
Well, let's see if UNCG can answer the bell. On Wednesday night, they were knocked down hard by their rivals from NC A&T. Since then, the UNCG fan base has been in panic/meltdown mode. I really want to see UNCG bring it all to the floor of the Greensboro Coliseum on Saturday night.

This is a conference game. It counts and it matters. It will be just as important as a game in January or February. Plus, it's a home conference game. Again, this one is big.

From a match up standpoint, the Citadel is going to be tough for a UNCG team that is struggling on the defensive end of the court. The Bulldogs shoot the ball very well, but turn it over 18 times a game. The Spartans will have to do a good job covering All-SoCon player Mike Groselle. He's the Citadel's do everything player. UNCG will have to throw multiple post players at him and hope to slow him down.

There's a lot I could continue to write about this game. But I think I'm going to hold off saying much more and see how UNCG responds to the events of this week. I hope it's a positive recap I'm writing tomorrow night.

Go Spartans !!!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Their Greensboro, Their Game

UNCG 79 - NC A&T 90

UNCG Athletics
NC A&T Athletics

Halftime: UNCG 30 - NC A&T 42

UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Kayel Locke (22)
Leader Rebounds: Locke, McNeil, Armstrong (tied - 9)
Leader Assists: Derrell Armstrong (2)
Team FG: 22-71 (31.0%)
Team 3 Pt: 5-29 (17.2%)
Team FT: 30-40 (75.0%)
Rebounds: 50
Turnovers: 18

NC A&T Stats
Leader Points: LaMont Middleton (24)
Leader Rebounds: Austin Witter (10)
Leader Assists: Powell, Middleton (tied - 2)
Team FG: 24-50 (48.0%)
Team 3 Pt: 8-21 (38.1%)
Team FT: 34-47 (72.3%)
Rebounds: 38
Turnovers: 21

Thoughts
Well ... let's start by stating the obvious. That was ugly and it took forever to finish. It was a disaster. UNCG played very poorly. NC A&T came out with a passion and controlled the game from the middle of the first half to the finish. They wanted this game. The Spartans took 21 more shots than the Aggies. They out rebounded them by 12 and forced them into 21 turnovers. Those are winning team stats. So, why wasn't this game a win?

Don't be fooled, UNCG made a couple of chip shots at the end to get above 30% shooting. I was thoroughly shocked at the number of layups UNCG missed on the night. I stopped counting in the second half when it got to 7. The Spartans have to take better shots (see: 29 3-Pt attempts) and have to make those shots.

Also, UNCG has got to stop opponents from getting what ever looks they want when they are on offense. It seems like there are so many breakdowns on every defensive possession that everyone is out of place by the end.

I did like the play of Kelvin McNeil and Kayel Locke. I think Locke has the potential to be something really special during his time at UNCG. McNeil has really brought some toughness to the floor every night and it's something that the team truly lacks right now.

At this point, it's time for the Spartans to get together and decide how this season is going to play out. SoCon play starts on Saturday with a game they can win. But they have to get on the same page and go win it. It would be a shame to see so much promise go to waste so fast.

UPDATE: Can we now do away with that stupid "Our Greensboro, Our Game" saying? It seems a little inappropriate right now.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

NC A&T (2-5) @ UNCG (1-4)

When: Wednesday, November 28 7 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617/23,500)
TV: None/Spartan All-Access

NC A&T Athletics

UNCG Stats
Last Game: Rutgers (L 87-80) Recap
PPG: 78.8
RPG: 38.8
APG: 14.6
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (20.8)
Leader Rebounds: Kelvin McNeil (8.0)
Leader Assists: Drew Parker (4.4)
FG %: 44.2
3 Pt %: 35.7
FT %: 66.7

NC A&T Stats
Last Game: Jacksonville State (L 50-54 OT) Recap
PPG: 59.0
RPG: 35.7
APG: 10.3
Leader Points: LaMontMiddleton (12.1)
Leader Rebounds: Austin Witter (6.1)
Leader Assists: LaMont Middleton (2.7)
FG%: 37.1
3 Pt%: 22.6
FT %: 69.9

Thoughts
NC A&T has played a mostly road schedule and has struggled. The stats show that. It really doesn't matter, though. The last 2 years the Aggies have absolutely wanted this rivalry game. Not only have they won these games, but they have manhandled the Spartans in the process.

Last season's game was a mess. The Spartans were blown out. In the aftermath, players started attacking fans on Twitter and the result basically got the coach fired. UNCG was probably the favorite last year and is probably the favorite this year. However, UNCG hasn't shown the ability to win a close game and had faded when the game was on the line.

As a die hard Spartan fan, its hurt to type paragraphs like those last two. But both are 100% true. What I hope to see on the court Wednesday night is a team that is loose, excited, enthusiastic and (most importantly) a team that is ready to grab this game and own it!

Go Spartans !!!

Monday, November 26, 2012

UNCG-Rutgers Highlights

Spartans Falter at the End ... Again

UNCG 80 - Rutgers 87

UNCG Athletics
Rutgers Athletics

Halftime: UNCG 43 - Rutgers 40

UNCG Stats:
Leader Points: Derrell Armstrong (25)
Leader Rebounds: Kelvin McNeil (11)
Leader Assists: Korey Van Dussen (4)
Team FG: 29-69 (42.0%)
Team 3 Pt: 7-25 (28.0%)
Team FT: 15-24 (62.5%)
Rebounds: 40
Turnovers: 16

Rutgers Stats
Leader Points: Eli Carter (25)
Leader Rebounds: Malick Kone (5)
Leader Assists: Myles Mack (5)
Team FG: 31-54 (57.4%)
Team 3 Pt: 4-10 (40.0%)
Team FT: 21-25 (84.0%)
Rebounds: 30
Turnovers: 18

Thoughts
It's the same script as last Monday. Play well at times. Lead at times. Make exciting plays. But in the end, the Spartans couldn't make enough plays to pull out the win.

This time, the defense is clearly the sore spot. The Scarlet Knights shot over 57% and ti really wasn't just a hot shooting team. Mostly it was getting easy shots and lay ups. For the second straight game, it was a problem for UNCG to keep a quick guard in front. The major problem was that this time, the opponent had two super quick guards. Those two players alone scored 49 of 87 Rutgers points.

So, it again comes down to the same thing, UNCG has got to close teams out. I hope they start soon.

Go Spartans !!!

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Rutgers (3-1) @ UNCG (1-3)

When: Sunday, November 25 2 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617/23,500)
TV: None/Spartan All-Access

Rutgers Athletics

UNCG Stats
Last Game: Virginia Tech (L 87-96) Recap
PPG: 78.5
RPG: 38.5
APG: 15.5
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (22.0)
Leader Rebounds: Kelvin McNeil (7.3)
Leader Assists: Drew Parker (5.3)
FG %: 44.7
3 Pt %: 37.5
FT %: 68.2

Rutgers Stats
Last Game: Boston University (W 81-79) Recap
PPG: 68.9
RPG: 41.0
APG: 13.5
Leader Points: Eli Carter (16.3)
Leader Rebounds: Wally Judge (9.0)
Leader Assists: Dane Miller (2.8)
FG %: 45.5
3 Pt %: 29.6
FT %: 67.8

Thoughts
This will be the first trip out side of New Jersey for Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights have played a full slate of mid major teams. After dropping their opening game to Saint Peter's at home, Rutgers has won the last 3 games in varying degrees.

Rutgers stats are a little skewed because of playing a game against Princeton. However, I doubt they will choose to get into a running affair with the Spartans. The Scarlet Knights have a distinctive size advantage and don't shoot the ball particularly well from the outside. So, look for them to go inside on most possessions.

The Spartans have done a nice job of staying in every game this season. However, they've struggled at closing the deal. Tomorrow will be another opportunity. I don't expect a large crowd at the coliseum tomorrow. The time and holiday should make for a very small student turnout. So, UNCG will need to bring it's own energy to the court and feed off of who ever turns out for this one.

G is still one of the few SoCon teams remaining that hasn't defeated and D1 team this year. It's time to go do that on Sunday afternoon.

Go Spartans !!!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

UNCG-VT Highlights

Monday, November 19, 2012

Green & Eddie Help Hokies Survive Spartans

UNCG 87 - Virginia Tech 96

UNCG Athletics
VT Athletics

Halftime: UNCG 41 - Virginia Tech 45

UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (25)
Leader Reounds: Kelvin McNeil (12)
Leader Assists: Simpson, Drew Parker (tied - 4)
Team FG: 32-75 (42.7%)
Team 3 Pt: 11-35 (31.4%)
Team FT: 12-17 (70.6%)
Rebounds: 38
Turnovers: 9

Virginia Tech Stats
Leader Points: Jarell Eddie (28)
Leader Rebounds: Marshall Wood (11)
Leader Assists: Eric Green (6)
Team FG: 24-53 (45.3%)
Team 3 Pt: 14-22 (63.6%)
Team FT: 34-42 (81.0%)
Rebounds: 41
Turnovers: 14

Thoughts
- Coming tomorrow ... until then check out David Morrison's article. It's pretty spot on.

UPDATE: UNCG-VT Redux ...

I re-watched the game on ESPN3 replay (something I think everyone at the game should have done by now) and decided to post some of my thoughts.

- First off, I was not as upset about the foul calls during the replay as I was during the actual game. I thought there were definitely some missed calls and a couple that I wish UNCG could have gotten on their end. However, the game didn't seem as out of balance as it did during first watch. Granted it still just seems wrong that in an even contest one team would shoot 42 free throws and the other 17.

- I also didn't realize in person just how much of an effect that Jarell Eddie had on the game in the final few minutes. With UNCG trailing by only 3 Eddie heavily contested a 3 point look by Armstrong and then made an even tougher 3 on the other end to extend the lead to 6 and basically ending UNCG's upset bid. He also pressured the usually sharpshooting Nick Paulos into one of the tougher shooting nights he's had as a Spartan. His length also effected Simpson and Armstrong at times.

It's tough to lose a game against an ACC team that you have on the ropes, but hopefully the Spartans can learn and grow from this loss and close out the next team it has in this position.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Virginia Tech (3-0) @ UNCG (1-2)

When: Monday, November 19 7 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617/23,500)
TV: ESPN3 & Spartan All-Access

VA Tech Athletics

UNCG Stats
Last game: @ East Carolina (L 73-76) Recap
PPG: 75.7
RPG: 38.7
APG: 15.3
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (21.0)
Leader Rebounds: Kelvin McNeil (5.7)
Leader Assists: Drew Parker (5.7)
FG %: 45.6
3 Pt %: 40.6
FT %: 67.3

Virginia Tech Stats
Last game: VMI (W 95-80) Recap
PPG: 81.3
RPG: 41.0
APG: 16.3
Leader Points: Eric Green (23.0)
Leader Rebounds: Jarell Eddie (8.7)
Leader Assists: Eric Green (5.3)
FG %: 48.6
3 Pt %: 40.0
FT %: 67.9

Thoughts
The good news is this game is at home. The bad news is that UNCG is playing a team that has superior size and depth. With such a quick turnaround, I hope the Spartans have recovered the legs and are able to put a tough loss behind them. I'd hate to see ECU beat UNCG twice.

On the bright side, I think that the Hokies will be more inclined to play UNCG's style and not try to turn this game into a grind. If that's the case then the Spartans at least have a chance. They will have to play two complete halves of basketball, though.

I'm hoping for a good crowd and an electric atmosphere. At this point, there's no reason for anyone to be exceedingly upset about the Spartan';s play. They've played two rough road games and had relatively good showings. It's a shame that they weren't able to pick up the wins in either of those games. However, it's not like anyone in the SoCon has shown themselves to be "world beaters".

So with that being said, I'm going to show up on Monday night optimistic and looking for a good fight from UNCG.

Go Spartans !!!

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Pirates Heat Up Late, Beat UNCG

UNCG 73 - East Carolina 76

UNCG Athletics

Halftime: UNCG 39 - ECU 31

UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (19)
Leader Rebounds: Derrell Armstrong (8)
Leader Assists: Drew Parker (6)
FG: 26-59 (44.1%)
3 Pt: 11-23 (47.8%)
FT: 10-12 (83.3%)
Rebounds: 34
Turnovers: 14

East Carolina Stats
Leader Points: Miguel Paul (24)
Leader Rebounds: Maurice Kemp (10)
Leader Assists: Maurice Kemp (4)
FG: 24-49 (49.0%)
3 Pt: 7-22 (31.8%)
FT: 21-30 (70.0%)
Rebounds: 31
Turnovers: 10

Thoughts
UNCG led for the majority of this game, but went without a field goal from the 9:32 mark of the second half to the 2:53 mark. Over that span, UNCG went from being up 6 to down 6. Also, the Spartans shot 18 less free throws (made 11 less) than the  Pirates.

Having said all of that, the Spartans had 2 chances at the end to send the game to overtime. After Trevis Simpson's attempt was rebounded by Derrell Armstrong, Coach Wes Miller tried in vain to get a timeout. However, the refs couldn't hear Miller and Armstrong's last second prayer wasn't answered.

Even in the loss, UNCG did a lot of things better than they had in previous games. First, they played better post defense and got contributions from more than just Simpson (Van Dussen 18 pts, Locke 14 pts) and they managed to play well in a grinder game that didn't have high possessions and saw the Spartans only get 6 fast break points. Also the Spartans seemed to bring a consistant effort and intensity to the court.

So while a chance to get a road victory didn't happen, there are plenty of things to build off of going forward. Now there are chances to defeat two "Power Six" conference teams at the Greensboro Coliseum. It's time to seize some of these opportunities.

Go Spartans !!!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

UNCG (1-1) @ East Carolina (2-0)

When: Friday, November 16 7 pm
Where: Minges Coliseum (8,000)
TV: None

East Carolina Athletics

UNCG Stats
Last Game: WSSU (W 81-65) Recap
PPG: 77.0
RPG: 41.0
APG: 15.0
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (22.0)
Leader Rebounds: David Williams (7.0)
Leader Assists: Drew Parker (5.5)
FG %: 46.3
3 Pt %: 37.0
FT %: 62.2

East Carolina Stats
Last Game: Methodist (W 87-51) Recap
PPG: 79.5
RPG: 44.0
APG: 18.5
Leader Points: Maurice Kemp (20.0)
Leader Rebounds: Robert Sampson (9.0)
Leader Assists: Shamarr Bowden (6.5)
FG %: 46.6
3 Pt %: 22.2%
FT %: 64.1

Thoughts
Well, it's back to the road for this work in progress Spartan squad. It will be interesting to see if the UNCG can bring a more consistent effort to the offensive and defensive ends of the court. We all know that this team has a lot of athleticism, but the team needs to be stronger with the ball and take better shots. They also need to dig in on defense in every trip down the court. And finally they need to start limiting the offensive rebounds.

Having said that, UNCG has shown that they can wear down other teams with the shear volume of possessions. They also have shown the ability to stick to their plan and to not lose focus or confidence. These qualities will serve the Spartans well in another hostile venue.

As far as the opponent, it's awful hard to judge anything from two games against lower level opponents (ECU plays 4 non-D1 teams). They appear to be able to rebound well and shoot very well from inside the 3 point arc. They always seem to play well in Minges Coliseum.

UNCG has lost  5 straight to the Pirates and really all but one has been pretty lopsided. I hope the Spartans can change that storyline this trip to Greenville. Go Spartans !!!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

WSSU Highlights

WSSU Press Conference

Monday, November 12, 2012

Spartans Surge Past Rams

UNCG 81 - Winston-Salem State 65

UNCG Athletics
WSSU Athletics

Halftime: UNCG 39 - WSSU 32

UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (26)
Leader Rebounds: Armstrong, McNeil - tied (5)
Leader Assists: Drew Parker (7)
Team FG: 31-63 (49.2%)
Team 3 Pt: 9-26 (34.6%)
Team FT: 10-14 (71.4%)
Rebounds: 42
Turnovers: 14

WSSU Stats
Leader Points: Platt, Glover - tied (15)
Leader Rebounds: Bazemore (10)
Leader Assists: Wells (7)
Team FG: 25-66 (37.9%)
Team 3 Pt: 4-16 (25.0%)
Team FT: 11-23 (47.8%)
Rebounds: 42
Turnovers: 13

Thoughts
The Rams were as good as advertised. They came in ranked #15 in DII and had already played a solid exhibition contest at Duke. They spent the entire evening attacking UNCG in the soft spot ... the interior. The Spartans were even playing a little short handed, with David Williams out with a wrist injury.

UNCG was staring at a 4 point deficit with about 14 minutes to go and really answered the bell. Trevis Simpson scored 8 straight points during a 19-0 run that basically ended all thoughts of a Rams upset and ignited the large home crowd.

It was a quick turn around from the disappointment of Friday night's opener. But the Spartans came through with the W against the lower level squad from down the road. Now UNCG gets to go back on the road to Greenville to play ECU on Friday night. This team still has plenty of work to do to shore up it's inside play. However, this was a step in the right direction.

Go Spartans !!!

Winston-Salem State (0-0) @ UNCG (0-1)

When: Monday, November 12 7 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617/23,500)
TV: None/Spartan All-Access

Winston-Salem State Athletics

UNCG Stats:
Last Game: @ High Point (L 73-81) Recap
PPG: 73.0
RPG: 40.0
APG: 13.0
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (18.0)
Leader Rebounds: Trevis Simpson (18.0)
Leader Assists: Korey Van Dussen (4.0)
FG %: 43.4
3 Pt %: 40.0
FT %: 56.5

Winston-Salem State Stats:
Last Game: @ Duke-Exh. (L 45-69) Recap
PPG: 45.0
RPG: 44.0
APG: 4.0
Leader Points: WyKevin Bazemore (11.0)
Leader Rebounds: WyKevin Bazemore (17.0)
Leader Assists: Marcus Wells (3.0)
FG %: 29.3
3 Pt %: 18.2
FT %: 40.9

Thoughts:
Let's not be fooled. D1 or not, WSSU has a good squad this year. The above stats are slightly skewed thanks to a game against Duke. However, this team is ranked #15 in NCAA DII. Wells and Glover are a good guard tandem. Bazemore is an undersized rebounding machine (see: Kyle Hines). The Spartans need to come ready to play.

I'm going to work under the assumption that UNCG has watched their film from Friday night and got some of their issues in order. Luckily, tonight's game is not against a team with superior size. HPU used their size to really build the lead against UNCG. The Rams shouldn't be able to do the same thing.

I also expect the Spartans to be able to dictate pace better in this game. If they can cut down on some of the silly turnovers, I think UNCG can prevail. Also, I think a large crowd should help with the energy.

Go Spartans !!!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Panthers Turn Back Spartan Comeback Attempt

UNCG 73 - High Point 81

UNCG Athletics
High Point Athletics

Halftime: UNCG 33 - High Point 39

UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (18)
Leader Rebounds: Trevis Simpson (7)
Leader Assists: Drew Parker (4)
Team FG: 26-60 (43.3%)
Team 3 Pt: 8-20 (40.0%)
Team FT: 13-23 (56.5%)
Rebounds: 40
Turnovers: 17

High Point Stats
Leader Points: John Brown (28)
Leader Rebounds: John Brown (8)
Leader Assists: Jairus Simms (7)
Team FG: 30-68 (44.1%)
Team 3 Pt: 5-18 (27.8%)
Team FT: 16-22 (72.7%)
Rebounds: 41
Turnovers: 13

Thoughts:
Two things doomed the Spartans on Friday night. The first was the inside the paint. It was obvious the the Panthers were the much stronger team. John Brown and Allan Chaney absolutely controlled the game. High Point did UNCG a huge favor in the middle of the second half by completely going away from their inside duo. It allowed the Spartans to get back into the game, However, they closed the game out by going back inside to put the game away.

The second problem was turnovers. 11 first half turnovers really hurt UNCG and kept them from really making any progress in a half where they could have taken a lead. It was obvious that the Panthers were going to try to grind the pace down against UNCG and the Spartans responded by not being sure handed with the ball.

On the bright side, UNCG really showed some energy and poise in the face of a 19 point deficit to make a solid comeback. However, it was too little too late. It should be a good learning experience for a team that is trying to find some chemistry.

While the result is disappointing, it's way too early to draw any conclusions or look to throw in the towel. Go Spartans !!!

Friday, November 9, 2012

UNCG (0-0) @ High Point (0-0)

When: Friday, November 9 7 pm
Where: Mills Center (1,750)
TV: None/Big South TV (Internet)

High Point Athletics

Preseason Preview

UNCG Stats (2011-2012)
Last Game: Bluefield State (W 102-74) Recap
PPG: 67.9
RPG: 35.8
APG: 11.6
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (18.3)
Leader Rebounds: David Williams (5.3)
Leader Assists: Drew Parker (2.6)
FG %: 40.3
3 Pt %: 33.8
FT %: 68.5

High Point Stats (2011-2012)
Last Game: Mars Hill (W 96-62) Recap
PPG: 71.1
RPG: 34.3
APG: 12.5
Leader Points: Corey Law (9.5)
Leader Rebounds: Corey Law (7.2)
Leader Assists: Jairus Simms (2.6)
FG %: 43.9
3 Pt %: 40.1
FT %: 68.5

Thoughts:
This is an interesting game to start the season. High Point has a very impressive front line and last season they were one of the best 3 point shooting teams in the country. Allan Chaney is one of the best stories in college basketball and you can't help but be happy for a guy who's been through all that he has and is still able to play.

Having said that, it should be interesting to see this new UNCG frantic pace against a D1 team. During the exhibition contest on Saturday, the Spartans started slow and turned the ball over a too much. When they settled down, the second half was an impressive showing. I expect to see a similar effort on tonight.

At this point, I've not seen enough to make any bold predictions. I'm just going to hope for the best.

Go Spartans !!!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Preseason OOC Preview - High Point

High Point
Location: High Point, NC
Conference: Big South (RPI #27)
Last Year: 13-18
Finish: Tie 6th (out of 11)
Post Season: None
Last 10: 6-4
Coach: Scott Cherry (4th yr)

Top Returners:
Corey Law 9.5 pts, 7.4 rebs

Losses:
Shay Shine 15.5 pts, 5.4 rebs, 3.0 assists
Nick Barbour 20.4 pts, 2.5 rebs, 1.4 assists

Additions:
- Cliff Cornish PF (6'-8" 240 lbs)
- Lorenzo Cugini SF (6'-5" 200 lbs)
- Haiishen McIntyre SG (6'-2" 165 lbs)
- Adam Weary SG (6'-2" 195 lbs)
- Allan Chaney PF (6'9" 235 lbs) Transfer (Virginia Tech)

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

13 in 13 - McNeil

13 in 13 - Cain

13 in 13 - Paulos

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Bluefield State Post Game

Post game press conference with Coach Miller, Trevis Simpson and Kelvin McNeil.


Spartans Fast Break Their Way to Exhibition Victory

UNCG 102 - Bluefield State 74

News& Record
UNCG Athletics
BSC Athletics

Halftime: UNCG 45 - Bluefield State 40

UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (21)
Leader Rebounds: Kelvin McNeil (11)
Leader Assists: Drew Parker (7)
Team FG: 35-68 (51.5%)
Team 3 Pt: 6-16 (37.5%)
Team FT: 26-37 (70.3%)
Rebounds: 50
Turnovers: 20

Bluefield State Stats
Leader Points: Daven Morris (16)
Leader Rebounds: Treon Claiborne (5)
leader Assists: Daven Morris (3)
Team FG: 20-62 (32.3%)
Team 3 Pt: 7-24 (29.2%)
Team FT: 27-39 (69.2%)
Rebounds: 37
Turnovers: 22

Thoughts
Even though the halftime score might not have indicated it, I thought UNCG controlled the game throughout. Sloppy turnovers and defensive lapses were the only things that kept the Big Blues even remotely competitive in this exhibition contest. The game was played in front of a packed and (at times) raucous crowd in Fleming Gym. UNCG shook off the nerves after the first 20 minutes and played very sound basketball. Everyone played and all made some nice contributions. It's tough to talk about everyone and their play. So, I'll just hit the high spots.

Kelvin McNeil was a very big surprise. I didn't really know a lot about him or what to expect of him coming to UNCG. However, from the appearance of this game, McNeil will see a big spot in the rotation and be heavily counted on to man the post position. I was thoroughly impressed with his play and am excited to see him play throughout the season.

David Williams created shear havoc on both ends of the court. It's very obvious that David's skill set is tailored perfectly to Wes Miller's style of play (both offense and defense). I'm not sure how many deflections he made on the defensive end, but it seemed like he had one per possession. His fast break dunk from the wing in the first half was the play of the night for me.

The main thing that jumped out at me was the pace that this Spartan team intends to play. It was on the verge of out of control ti was so fast, but it lead to a bunch of easy layups and dunks. Some of the turnovers were "cover your eyes" bad. But if G can create as many possessions as they did last night, the points will come in huge bunches.

Should be fun to watch going forward. Go Spartans !!!

Friday, November 2, 2012

13 in 13 - Locke

13 in 13 - White

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Bluefield State (0-0) @ UNCG (0-0)

When: Saturday, Nov 3 6 pm
Where: Fleming Gym (2,320)
TV: None/Spartan All-Access

Bluefield State At a Glance ...
Location: Bluefield, West Virginia
Nickname: Big Blues
NCAA Division II - WV Intercollegiate Athletics Conference
2011-2012 record: 1-26
Coach: Jamaal Jackson (2nd season)
Preseason Prediction: 14 out of 15

Last Season Stats
FG %: 41.1
3 PT %: 32.5
FT%: 69.4
TO/game: 16.4
Block/game: 2.4
PPG: 74.7
RPG: 33.5
APG: 12.3

Last Season Leaders
Points: Chase Morgan (19.1)
Rebounds: Trevor Niles (9.5)
Assists: Chase Morgan (3.7)

Thoughts
Honestly I can't find very much about the Big Blues as to who is on their new roster. I really don't know what kind of size or skill they will bring with them to Fleming Gym. It looks like they didn't run a particularly slow pace last year, but averaged giving up almost 100 points a game (99.4).

As far as what I'm hoping for is to see the team get to showcase their abilities, work on specific sub patterns and escape with now injuries. AS long as those things happen, the score is really irrelevant.

Go Spartans !!!