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.