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 !!!