Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Wolfpack Hold of Spartans
UNCG 64 - NC State 68
UNCG Athletics
NC State Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 35 - NC State 38
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Locke (19)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (8)
Leader Assist: Parker (3)
Team FG: 22-58 (37.9%)
Team 3 Pt: 3-15 (20.0%)
Team FT: 17-28 (60.7%)
Rebounds: 43
Turnovers: 16
NC State Stats
Leader Points: Warren (24)
Leader Rebounds: Warren (9)
Leader Assists: Barber (6)
Team FG: 24-59 (40.7%)
Team 3 Pt: 1-6 (16.7%)
Team FT: 19-33 (57.6%)
Rebounds: 35
Turnovers: 12
Thoughts
To think at 35 years of age, I was that close to storming the court for the first time. I'm partially joking, of course. It wouldn't be my first time. But I digress ...
UNCG came very close to pulling off their second shocker in 48 hours. And quite frankly, they are playing the best ball of any team in the Southern Conference right now. Wes Miller noted in his press conference (I'll link it in a few) That during a tough stretch against 3 ACC programs in a row that the team not only stayed composed, but got better with each game. Against NC State, UNCG was much better than they were against Virginia Tech. Unfortunately , NC State is better than Virginia Tech. So playing better did not equate to a win.
On the tough side, UNCG struggled with turning the ball over. Eleven 2nd half turnovers really helped to put UNCG in a hole that they spent most of the second half fighting through. 3 point shooting has been tough the last few games. I think you can attribute a lot of that to Nicholas Paulos having to spend all of his energy guarding tremendous opposing players. I believe that his shots will start to fall more frequently in conference play. Free throw shooting wasn't particularly good for the Spartans either. NC State was worse, but I'll get to that in a minute.
On the bright side, Paulos and Diante Baldwin did a great job chasing TJ Warren all night. Warren got his average, but he has to work for it and really did very little in the last 10 minutes. I thought it was another night of everyone that got in the game contributing something to help the cause. I thought coach Wes Miller and his coaching staff made a great call at the end too. UNCG did the right thing by going for the quick 2 with 21 seconds left. Sure, they could have held on and took a late clock 3. But with NC State shooting awful at the line, it made sense to take the 2 and foul. It was just unfortunate the shot didn't go down. It was still the correct call in my mind.
Okay, well that was certainly a fun little ACC stretch. UNCG went 1-2, with it's 2 losses by a combined 12 points. Now the games count. Starting Thursday at Western this thing gets serious. To quote Major League, "I guess there's only one thing left to do. Win the whole. Fucking. Thing." Go Spartans !!!
UNCG Athletics
NC State Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 35 - NC State 38
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Locke (19)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (8)
Leader Assist: Parker (3)
Team FG: 22-58 (37.9%)
Team 3 Pt: 3-15 (20.0%)
Team FT: 17-28 (60.7%)
Rebounds: 43
Turnovers: 16
NC State Stats
Leader Points: Warren (24)
Leader Rebounds: Warren (9)
Leader Assists: Barber (6)
Team FG: 24-59 (40.7%)
Team 3 Pt: 1-6 (16.7%)
Team FT: 19-33 (57.6%)
Rebounds: 35
Turnovers: 12
Thoughts
To think at 35 years of age, I was that close to storming the court for the first time. I'm partially joking, of course. It wouldn't be my first time. But I digress ...
UNCG came very close to pulling off their second shocker in 48 hours. And quite frankly, they are playing the best ball of any team in the Southern Conference right now. Wes Miller noted in his press conference (I'll link it in a few) That during a tough stretch against 3 ACC programs in a row that the team not only stayed composed, but got better with each game. Against NC State, UNCG was much better than they were against Virginia Tech. Unfortunately , NC State is better than Virginia Tech. So playing better did not equate to a win.
On the tough side, UNCG struggled with turning the ball over. Eleven 2nd half turnovers really helped to put UNCG in a hole that they spent most of the second half fighting through. 3 point shooting has been tough the last few games. I think you can attribute a lot of that to Nicholas Paulos having to spend all of his energy guarding tremendous opposing players. I believe that his shots will start to fall more frequently in conference play. Free throw shooting wasn't particularly good for the Spartans either. NC State was worse, but I'll get to that in a minute.
On the bright side, Paulos and Diante Baldwin did a great job chasing TJ Warren all night. Warren got his average, but he has to work for it and really did very little in the last 10 minutes. I thought it was another night of everyone that got in the game contributing something to help the cause. I thought coach Wes Miller and his coaching staff made a great call at the end too. UNCG did the right thing by going for the quick 2 with 21 seconds left. Sure, they could have held on and took a late clock 3. But with NC State shooting awful at the line, it made sense to take the 2 and foul. It was just unfortunate the shot didn't go down. It was still the correct call in my mind.
Okay, well that was certainly a fun little ACC stretch. UNCG went 1-2, with it's 2 losses by a combined 12 points. Now the games count. Starting Thursday at Western this thing gets serious. To quote Major League, "I guess there's only one thing left to do. Win the whole. Fucking. Thing." Go Spartans !!!
Monday, December 30, 2013
NC State (9-3) @ UNCG (7-7)
When: Monday, December 30 7:00 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: ESPN3
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
NC State Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last game: @ Va Tech (W 55-52) Recap
PPG: 72.1
RPG: 37.0
APG: 13.6
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (16.1)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.6)
Leader Assist: Tevon Saddler (3.5)
FG %: 45.4
3 Pt %: 36.5
FT %: 68.3
NC State Stats
Last Game: Missouri (L 64-68) Recap
PPG: 75.9
RPG: 36.6
APG: 14.5
Leader Points: TJ Warren (23.9)
Leader Rebounds: TJ Warren (7.8)
Leader Assist: Anthony Barber (4.4)
FG %: 49.0
3 Pt %: 30.5
FT %: 65.2
Thoughts
48 hours after the first UNCG win against an ACC team in 6 years is a game against another ACC team. Thanks to the magic of the Greensboro Coliseum schedule makers deciding to put the Elon-Duke game on New Year's Eve, the Spartans have a super quick turnaround to face a team that they don't particularly match up well against. Shooting, and particularly the type of shots each team takes, could be the key to this one.
NC State is again one of the best teams at shooting inside the arc. Their kryptonite, however, is the zone defense. Teams have been daring the Wolfpack to beat them from behind the arc. So far, NC State really hasn't proven to be a team that can make a boatload of 3's. However, their freshman PG Cat Barber can use his quickness to be a zone breaker all by himself. Keeping Barber out of the lane is a must if the Spartans want to have any success.
TJ Warren is the best individual player UNCG will face all year. He's a scorer that finds about a billion different ways to light up the scoreboard. He's not a proficient shooter, but he'll make a few. He makes his living around the rim. He find all kinds of ways to put the ball in the basket and he rarely doesn't finish plays. The Wolfpack have 7'-0 Jordan Vandenberg on the back line. His job is to dunk the ball and block shots. It will be up to UNCG's post players to pull him away from the basket with their face up game.
This game is going to require that UNCG hit some 3 pointers. In order to open driving lanes up against the bigger Wolfpack, the outside shots will have to go in with some frequency. Beyond that, it wouldn't hurt to see Barber and Vandenberg get into some foul trouble. It goes without saying that UNCG will have to limit their turnovers and continue to build on 5 straight halves of solid team defense.
If G can again limit the number of possessions in this game and keep the score in the 60's, they will stand a much better chance of pulling off a second straight shocker. Go Spartans !!!
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: ESPN3
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
NC State Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last game: @ Va Tech (W 55-52) Recap
PPG: 72.1
RPG: 37.0
APG: 13.6
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (16.1)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.6)
Leader Assist: Tevon Saddler (3.5)
FG %: 45.4
3 Pt %: 36.5
FT %: 68.3
NC State Stats
Last Game: Missouri (L 64-68) Recap
PPG: 75.9
RPG: 36.6
APG: 14.5
Leader Points: TJ Warren (23.9)
Leader Rebounds: TJ Warren (7.8)
Leader Assist: Anthony Barber (4.4)
FG %: 49.0
3 Pt %: 30.5
FT %: 65.2
Thoughts
48 hours after the first UNCG win against an ACC team in 6 years is a game against another ACC team. Thanks to the magic of the Greensboro Coliseum schedule makers deciding to put the Elon-Duke game on New Year's Eve, the Spartans have a super quick turnaround to face a team that they don't particularly match up well against. Shooting, and particularly the type of shots each team takes, could be the key to this one.
NC State is again one of the best teams at shooting inside the arc. Their kryptonite, however, is the zone defense. Teams have been daring the Wolfpack to beat them from behind the arc. So far, NC State really hasn't proven to be a team that can make a boatload of 3's. However, their freshman PG Cat Barber can use his quickness to be a zone breaker all by himself. Keeping Barber out of the lane is a must if the Spartans want to have any success.
TJ Warren is the best individual player UNCG will face all year. He's a scorer that finds about a billion different ways to light up the scoreboard. He's not a proficient shooter, but he'll make a few. He makes his living around the rim. He find all kinds of ways to put the ball in the basket and he rarely doesn't finish plays. The Wolfpack have 7'-0 Jordan Vandenberg on the back line. His job is to dunk the ball and block shots. It will be up to UNCG's post players to pull him away from the basket with their face up game.
This game is going to require that UNCG hit some 3 pointers. In order to open driving lanes up against the bigger Wolfpack, the outside shots will have to go in with some frequency. Beyond that, it wouldn't hurt to see Barber and Vandenberg get into some foul trouble. It goes without saying that UNCG will have to limit their turnovers and continue to build on 5 straight halves of solid team defense.
If G can again limit the number of possessions in this game and keep the score in the 60's, they will stand a much better chance of pulling off a second straight shocker. Go Spartans !!!
Scanning the SoCon Week #9
Scanning the SoCon - Week #9
Power Rankings
1. Davidson
2. UNCG
3. Elon
4. Western Carolina
5. Ga Southern
6. Wofford
7. UTC
8. Furman
9. Citadel
10. Samford
11. App State
Player of the Week
Kyle Cain
Game of the Week
College of Charleston @ Davidson
Power Rankings
1. Davidson
2. UNCG
3. Elon
4. Western Carolina
5. Ga Southern
6. Wofford
7. UTC
8. Furman
9. Citadel
10. Samford
11. App State
Player of the Week
Kyle Cain
Game of the Week
College of Charleston @ Davidson
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Spartans Stun Hokies in Blacksburg
UNCG 55 - Virginia Tech 52
UNCG Athletics
Va Tech Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 22 - Virginia Tech 22
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Cain (18)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (10)
Leader Assists: Potts (4)
Team FG: 19-52 (36.0%)
Team 3 Pt: 3-12 (25.0%)
Team FT: 14-16 (87.5%)
Rebounds: 34
Turnovers: 13
Virginia Tech Stats
Leader Points: Wood (14)
Leader Rebounds: Van Zegeren, Wilson (Tied - 7)
Leader Assists: Wilson (6)
Team FG: 18-50 (36.0%)
Team 3 Pt: 3-15 (20.0%)
Team FT: 13-23 (56.5%)
Rebounds: 34
Turnovers: 15
Thoughts
With about 10 minutes left to go in the game, UNCG had played VT tough in an ugly game similar to the one last Saturday at Wake Forest. The Hokies had just went up by 11 and it was looking like one of those moral victory losses. Then something funny happened. UNCG went on a nice little 23-6 run and sent the home fans home completely stunned.
Kyle Cain was the best player on the court today and it really wasn't even close. When the Spartans needed a basket, they dumped it inside and got a nice post move from Cain or Locke. Wes Miller was the better coach on Saturday. He used his timeouts to nurse his team along. He sensed there was a real opportunity and he didn't want to let it get away like it had with the Demon Deacons. He also did a great job of managing the defense on volume scorer Jerell Eddie. With no Tevon Saddler, it fell to Nicholas Paulos, Tyrone Outlaw and defensive stopper Diante Baldwin. Combined they limited Eddie to 4 points on 1-12 shooting.
This is the biggest win for Wes Miller as coach of UNCG. This is the biggest win for the UNCG program in at least 6 years. With the struggles that this program has fallen into, I am willing to call it the biggest win for UNCG other than the 2 wins that got the Spartans into the NCAA Tournament.
Now it all comes down to what happens from here on out. Can UNCG capitalize on this stretch of good play? Can they Carry it over into SoCon play? There is one more ACC game on Monday and then we'll get to find out if this team is ready to win the conference. Go Spartans !!!
UNCG Athletics
Va Tech Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 22 - Virginia Tech 22
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Cain (18)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (10)
Leader Assists: Potts (4)
Team FG: 19-52 (36.0%)
Team 3 Pt: 3-12 (25.0%)
Team FT: 14-16 (87.5%)
Rebounds: 34
Turnovers: 13
Virginia Tech Stats
Leader Points: Wood (14)
Leader Rebounds: Van Zegeren, Wilson (Tied - 7)
Leader Assists: Wilson (6)
Team FG: 18-50 (36.0%)
Team 3 Pt: 3-15 (20.0%)
Team FT: 13-23 (56.5%)
Rebounds: 34
Turnovers: 15
Thoughts
With about 10 minutes left to go in the game, UNCG had played VT tough in an ugly game similar to the one last Saturday at Wake Forest. The Hokies had just went up by 11 and it was looking like one of those moral victory losses. Then something funny happened. UNCG went on a nice little 23-6 run and sent the home fans home completely stunned.
Kyle Cain was the best player on the court today and it really wasn't even close. When the Spartans needed a basket, they dumped it inside and got a nice post move from Cain or Locke. Wes Miller was the better coach on Saturday. He used his timeouts to nurse his team along. He sensed there was a real opportunity and he didn't want to let it get away like it had with the Demon Deacons. He also did a great job of managing the defense on volume scorer Jerell Eddie. With no Tevon Saddler, it fell to Nicholas Paulos, Tyrone Outlaw and defensive stopper Diante Baldwin. Combined they limited Eddie to 4 points on 1-12 shooting.
This is the biggest win for Wes Miller as coach of UNCG. This is the biggest win for the UNCG program in at least 6 years. With the struggles that this program has fallen into, I am willing to call it the biggest win for UNCG other than the 2 wins that got the Spartans into the NCAA Tournament.
Now it all comes down to what happens from here on out. Can UNCG capitalize on this stretch of good play? Can they Carry it over into SoCon play? There is one more ACC game on Monday and then we'll get to find out if this team is ready to win the conference. Go Spartans !!!
Friday, December 27, 2013
UNCG (6-7) @ Virginia Tech (7-4)
When: Saturday, December 28 12:00 noon
Where: Cassell Coliseum (10,052)
TV: ESPN3
Virginia Tech Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: @ Wake Forest (L 51-59) Recap
PPG: 73.5
RPG: 37.2
APG: 13.8
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (16.0)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle cain (8.5)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.5)
FG %: 46.0
3 Pt %: 37.1
FT %: 67.2
Virginia Tech Stats
Last Game: VCU (L 52-82) Recap
PPG: 75.3
RPG: 42.0
APG: 12.9
Leader Points: Jarell Eddie (18.6)
Leader Rebounds: Jarell Eddia (6.5)
Leader Assists: Devin Wilson (5.4)
FG %: 44.7
3 Pt %: 44.0
FT %: 69.6
Thoughts
Well, I hope everyone had a great holiday week. Now it's time for basketball once again. The first game back after the Christmas break is always a "crap shoot". Will the home ACC team see UNCG on the schedule and not bother to show up? Will the Spartans be able to focus after a full week layoff? Will there be any defense played? Offense? See, it's all a guessing game.
Last time out, UNCG didn't play particularly well. However, they still pushed Wake Forest all the way to the final 3 minutes before losing by 8. For the second straight game, the Spartans did a good job of taking care of the basketball. Turnovers have been the real key to how well the team has played this season. In games when they've valued the ball, the outcomes have been favorable. Also, over the last 3 halves of basketball, UNCG has really played some solid defense. This is the other major key to this team. If the Spartans can carry over their defensive intensity to the game in Blacksburg, they can compete with the Hokies.
As for Tech, they don't appear to be a great offensive team. However, they do have some very dangerous shooters. Five VT players are shooting +40% (all with 10+ makes) from behind the arc. Best among the group is wing player Jarell Eddie who leads the team in scoring and rebounding while shooting almost 50% from 3 point land. I expect UNCG to run several defenders at Eddie throughout the day. Look for Paulos, Outlaw, Locke and maybe even Saddler to take turns guarding Eddie.
Can UNCG beat Virginia Tech? Of course. Will it happen? Who knows. With all of games at this time of year, it will require UNCG playing well, Tech napping and the Spartans getting some of favorable breaks. I can't wait to see how UNCG responds after having one ACC team on the ropes and then having a week to think about it. I think they can be very competitive. Hope they can bring the "W" back to Greensboro. Go Spartans !!!
Where: Cassell Coliseum (10,052)
TV: ESPN3
Virginia Tech Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: @ Wake Forest (L 51-59) Recap
PPG: 73.5
RPG: 37.2
APG: 13.8
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (16.0)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle cain (8.5)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.5)
FG %: 46.0
3 Pt %: 37.1
FT %: 67.2
Virginia Tech Stats
Last Game: VCU (L 52-82) Recap
PPG: 75.3
RPG: 42.0
APG: 12.9
Leader Points: Jarell Eddie (18.6)
Leader Rebounds: Jarell Eddia (6.5)
Leader Assists: Devin Wilson (5.4)
FG %: 44.7
3 Pt %: 44.0
FT %: 69.6
Thoughts
Well, I hope everyone had a great holiday week. Now it's time for basketball once again. The first game back after the Christmas break is always a "crap shoot". Will the home ACC team see UNCG on the schedule and not bother to show up? Will the Spartans be able to focus after a full week layoff? Will there be any defense played? Offense? See, it's all a guessing game.
Last time out, UNCG didn't play particularly well. However, they still pushed Wake Forest all the way to the final 3 minutes before losing by 8. For the second straight game, the Spartans did a good job of taking care of the basketball. Turnovers have been the real key to how well the team has played this season. In games when they've valued the ball, the outcomes have been favorable. Also, over the last 3 halves of basketball, UNCG has really played some solid defense. This is the other major key to this team. If the Spartans can carry over their defensive intensity to the game in Blacksburg, they can compete with the Hokies.
As for Tech, they don't appear to be a great offensive team. However, they do have some very dangerous shooters. Five VT players are shooting +40% (all with 10+ makes) from behind the arc. Best among the group is wing player Jarell Eddie who leads the team in scoring and rebounding while shooting almost 50% from 3 point land. I expect UNCG to run several defenders at Eddie throughout the day. Look for Paulos, Outlaw, Locke and maybe even Saddler to take turns guarding Eddie.
Can UNCG beat Virginia Tech? Of course. Will it happen? Who knows. With all of games at this time of year, it will require UNCG playing well, Tech napping and the Spartans getting some of favorable breaks. I can't wait to see how UNCG responds after having one ACC team on the ropes and then having a week to think about it. I think they can be very competitive. Hope they can bring the "W" back to Greensboro. Go Spartans !!!
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Scanning the SoCon Week #8
Scanning the SoCon - Week #8 (Part 1) (Part 2)
Power Rankings
1. Davidson
2. Western Carolina
3. Elon
4. UNCG
5. Ga Southern
6. Wofford
7. UTC
8. Furman
9. Samford
10. Citadel
11. App State
Player of the Week
Brian Sullivan
Game of the Week
Citadel @ College of Charleston
Player of the Year to date?
Lucas Troutman (Elon)
Player of the Year to date?
Brian White (Citadel)
Coach of the Year to date?
Bob McKillop
Why are you voting for who you are voting for in Player of the Year?
I really had a tough time picking the Player of the Year at this point. I thought Troutman, Croone, Cain, Mason and Sumler all have a case to be picked at this point. Since the best player for Daidson hasn't been available for the last few weeks, I decided to go with Troutman instead. But I think there are many other candidates and I think De'Mon Brooks will be involved in the conversation by the end.
Which team has been the most pleasant surprise? Why?
I'm going to be biased here and pick my own UNCG Spartans as the biggest surprise. This team is so young and lost almost every single contributor. Yet they sit at 6-7 at this point with 3 wins versus D1 opponents. I really had low expectations for this team in the preseason and they have so far been a bit on the surprising side for me.
Which team has been the biggest disappointment? Why?
Easily, the most disappointing team for me is Samford. I thought with Rajon Kelly and Tim Williams that this team could be one of the top 3 teams in the conference. At this point, it's hard not to put them in the bottom 3 in the conference ranking. Luckily for the Bulldogs, the real basketball season doesn't start until January. Wins at that point, will eliminate all of the disappointment from the out of conference portion of their schedule
Outside of Davidson, Elon and Western Carolina, who is most likely to improve the most between now and March? Why?
I think outside of those 3 teams, the best coach left is Mike Young at Wofford. So, I will pick the Terriers as the most likely to improve.
If you had to pick right now, which two teams do you think would make the SoCon Championship Game and who would win? Why?
Kind of tough not to go with the 2 teams that I think are the best in the league at this point. So, I'll pick Davidson & Western Carolina. However, I think this league is as close as it has been in a long time from top to bottom.
Power Rankings
1. Davidson
2. Western Carolina
3. Elon
4. UNCG
5. Ga Southern
6. Wofford
7. UTC
8. Furman
9. Samford
10. Citadel
11. App State
Player of the Week
Brian Sullivan
Game of the Week
Citadel @ College of Charleston
Player of the Year to date?
Lucas Troutman (Elon)
Player of the Year to date?
Brian White (Citadel)
Coach of the Year to date?
Bob McKillop
Why are you voting for who you are voting for in Player of the Year?
I really had a tough time picking the Player of the Year at this point. I thought Troutman, Croone, Cain, Mason and Sumler all have a case to be picked at this point. Since the best player for Daidson hasn't been available for the last few weeks, I decided to go with Troutman instead. But I think there are many other candidates and I think De'Mon Brooks will be involved in the conversation by the end.
Which team has been the most pleasant surprise? Why?
I'm going to be biased here and pick my own UNCG Spartans as the biggest surprise. This team is so young and lost almost every single contributor. Yet they sit at 6-7 at this point with 3 wins versus D1 opponents. I really had low expectations for this team in the preseason and they have so far been a bit on the surprising side for me.
Which team has been the biggest disappointment? Why?
Easily, the most disappointing team for me is Samford. I thought with Rajon Kelly and Tim Williams that this team could be one of the top 3 teams in the conference. At this point, it's hard not to put them in the bottom 3 in the conference ranking. Luckily for the Bulldogs, the real basketball season doesn't start until January. Wins at that point, will eliminate all of the disappointment from the out of conference portion of their schedule
Outside of Davidson, Elon and Western Carolina, who is most likely to improve the most between now and March? Why?
I think outside of those 3 teams, the best coach left is Mike Young at Wofford. So, I will pick the Terriers as the most likely to improve.
If you had to pick right now, which two teams do you think would make the SoCon Championship Game and who would win? Why?
Kind of tough not to go with the 2 teams that I think are the best in the league at this point. So, I'll pick Davidson & Western Carolina. However, I think this league is as close as it has been in a long time from top to bottom.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
UNCG Comes Up Short in Winston-Salem
UNCG 51 - Wake Forest 59
UNCG Athletics
Wake Forest Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 22 - Wake Forest 29
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Cain (16)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (15)
Leader Assists: Parker (3)
Team FG: 19-60 (31.7%)
Team 3 Pt: 1-15 (6.7%)
Team FT: 12-21 (57.1%)
Rebounds: 40
Turnovers: 12
Wake Forest Stats
Leader Points: Cavanaugh, Thomas (Tied - 12)
Leader Rebounds: Thomas (13)
Leader Assists: Jones (2)
Team FG: 22-49 (44.9%)
Team 3 Pt: 2-14 (14.3%)
Team FT: 13-30 (43.3%)
Rebounds: 41
Turnovers: 14
Thoughts
That was an ugly, ugly game. There was a point during the second half where I wondered out loud whether UNCG would reach 40 points or if the two teams would combine to score 100 points total. However, the Spartans fought hard throughout the entire game and battled back after being down by double digits on several occasions. G just couldn't quite get all the way back and eventually ran out of gas and time.
The Demon Deacons definitely helped UNCG stay in the game by missing a ton of free throws, but the Spartans played very solid defense all day long. The team did a great job of covering up Travis McKie and Coron Williams. Other than Cavanaugh no other Deacon even made a 3 point basket.
All-in-all there was a lot to like about this game. Even though the shots weren't failing, the effort and focus was strong and consistent throughout. It was great to see the bench really get into the game and cheer on their teammates. It was also nice to see UNCG do a great job taking care of the ball. This is the second straight game with a low turnover number and it's obvious that UNCG plays better when they value the basketball. Kyle Cain was very good again today and is really on pace for an All-SoCon type season.
Now everyone gets to take some time off to celebrate the holidays. After that, it's another road trip within the ACC. We'll get to that one later in the week though. Until then, I hope everyone has a safe and merry Christmas. Go Spartans !!!
UNCG Athletics
Wake Forest Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 22 - Wake Forest 29
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Cain (16)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (15)
Leader Assists: Parker (3)
Team FG: 19-60 (31.7%)
Team 3 Pt: 1-15 (6.7%)
Team FT: 12-21 (57.1%)
Rebounds: 40
Turnovers: 12
Wake Forest Stats
Leader Points: Cavanaugh, Thomas (Tied - 12)
Leader Rebounds: Thomas (13)
Leader Assists: Jones (2)
Team FG: 22-49 (44.9%)
Team 3 Pt: 2-14 (14.3%)
Team FT: 13-30 (43.3%)
Rebounds: 41
Turnovers: 14
Thoughts
That was an ugly, ugly game. There was a point during the second half where I wondered out loud whether UNCG would reach 40 points or if the two teams would combine to score 100 points total. However, the Spartans fought hard throughout the entire game and battled back after being down by double digits on several occasions. G just couldn't quite get all the way back and eventually ran out of gas and time.
The Demon Deacons definitely helped UNCG stay in the game by missing a ton of free throws, but the Spartans played very solid defense all day long. The team did a great job of covering up Travis McKie and Coron Williams. Other than Cavanaugh no other Deacon even made a 3 point basket.
All-in-all there was a lot to like about this game. Even though the shots weren't failing, the effort and focus was strong and consistent throughout. It was great to see the bench really get into the game and cheer on their teammates. It was also nice to see UNCG do a great job taking care of the ball. This is the second straight game with a low turnover number and it's obvious that UNCG plays better when they value the basketball. Kyle Cain was very good again today and is really on pace for an All-SoCon type season.
Now everyone gets to take some time off to celebrate the holidays. After that, it's another road trip within the ACC. We'll get to that one later in the week though. Until then, I hope everyone has a safe and merry Christmas. Go Spartans !!!
Friday, December 20, 2013
UNCG (6-6) @ Wake Forest (9-2)
When: Saturday, December 21 2:00 pm
Where: Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum (14,665)
TV: ESPN3
Wake Forest Athletics
Preseason preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: James Madison (W 78-65) Recap
PPG: 75.3
RPG: 37.0
APG: 14.5
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (16.0)
Leader Reboudns: Kyle Cain (8.0)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.6)
FG%: 47.3
3 Pt %: 39.3
FT: 68.0
Wake Forest Stats
Last Game: St. Bonaventure (W 77-62) Recap
PPG: 79.2
RPG 43.8
APG: 15.8
Leader Points: Codi Miller-McIntyre (18.1)
Leader Rebounds: Devin Tomas (9.5)
Leader Assists: Codi Miller-McIntyre (4.4)
FG %: 45.8
3 Pt %: 35.3
FT%: 64.7
Thoughts
Wake Forest has been the one of the ACC's little whipping boys for the past few seasons. The last two years, all UNCG have have pointed to Wake Forest as the one big named team on our schedule that we might could take down. Well, all of that has change this year. The Demon Deacons are much improved on both ends of the floor. They have more talent and are deeper than in years past. The one major hopeful spot for UNCG is this will be played on the Saturday before Christmas. There will be very few students there and probably few fans in general will be at the LJVM.
As for what to look for in this game, Wake Forest has several good shooters in their lineup. Codi Miller-McIntyre, Travis McKie and new addition Coron Williams all shoot the 3 well. It will keep teams for doubling down into the post to stop Devin Thomas. Thomas will be a problem for UNCG all day. I assume we will see every big man take a turn guarding him.
For UNCG to be successful, they will need to do the same things they did to win on Wednesday night. They must continue to take care of the ball, look to make the right extra pass and get quality shots every time down the floor. On nights when they've done those things this season, their offense has been very good. To beat an ACC opponent on their home floor, the Spartans need to keep their composure and focus for a full 40 minutes. And they need to make shots. Another 11-19 from 3 performance would go a long way to pulling the upset.
If Wake is already mentally on Christmas break and UNCG can carry over it's good play from Wednesday, then they have a very real chance to make things interesting. The Spartans will need to seize every opportunity though. I hope they can do just that. Go Spartans !!!
Where: Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum (14,665)
TV: ESPN3
Wake Forest Athletics
Preseason preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: James Madison (W 78-65) Recap
PPG: 75.3
RPG: 37.0
APG: 14.5
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (16.0)
Leader Reboudns: Kyle Cain (8.0)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.6)
FG%: 47.3
3 Pt %: 39.3
FT: 68.0
Wake Forest Stats
Last Game: St. Bonaventure (W 77-62) Recap
PPG: 79.2
RPG 43.8
APG: 15.8
Leader Points: Codi Miller-McIntyre (18.1)
Leader Rebounds: Devin Tomas (9.5)
Leader Assists: Codi Miller-McIntyre (4.4)
FG %: 45.8
3 Pt %: 35.3
FT%: 64.7
Thoughts
Wake Forest has been the one of the ACC's little whipping boys for the past few seasons. The last two years, all UNCG have have pointed to Wake Forest as the one big named team on our schedule that we might could take down. Well, all of that has change this year. The Demon Deacons are much improved on both ends of the floor. They have more talent and are deeper than in years past. The one major hopeful spot for UNCG is this will be played on the Saturday before Christmas. There will be very few students there and probably few fans in general will be at the LJVM.
As for what to look for in this game, Wake Forest has several good shooters in their lineup. Codi Miller-McIntyre, Travis McKie and new addition Coron Williams all shoot the 3 well. It will keep teams for doubling down into the post to stop Devin Thomas. Thomas will be a problem for UNCG all day. I assume we will see every big man take a turn guarding him.
For UNCG to be successful, they will need to do the same things they did to win on Wednesday night. They must continue to take care of the ball, look to make the right extra pass and get quality shots every time down the floor. On nights when they've done those things this season, their offense has been very good. To beat an ACC opponent on their home floor, the Spartans need to keep their composure and focus for a full 40 minutes. And they need to make shots. Another 11-19 from 3 performance would go a long way to pulling the upset.
If Wake is already mentally on Christmas break and UNCG can carry over it's good play from Wednesday, then they have a very real chance to make things interesting. The Spartans will need to seize every opportunity though. I hope they can do just that. Go Spartans !!!
Thursday, December 19, 2013
4 Factors - JMU
Points Per Possesion
UNCG - 1.27
JMU - 1.07
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 61.3
JMU - 48.9
TO %
UNCG - 11.4
JMU - 13.2
OR %
UNCG - 20.0
JMU - 18.9
FT Rate
UNCG - 32.0
JMU - 50.0
UNCG - 1.27
JMU - 1.07
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 61.3
JMU - 48.9
TO %
UNCG - 11.4
JMU - 13.2
OR %
UNCG - 20.0
JMU - 18.9
FT Rate
UNCG - 32.0
JMU - 50.0
Spartans Storm Past James Madison
UNCG 78 - JMU 65
UNCG Athletics
JMU Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 36 - JMU 42
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Paulos (21)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (7)
Leader Assists: Parker. Saddler (Tied - 5)
Team FG: 27-53 (50.9%)
Team 3 Pt: 11-19 (57.9%)
Team FT: 13-17 (76.5%)
Rebounds: 30
Turnovers: 7
James Madison Stats
Leader Points: Curry (23)
Leader Reboudns: Vadonvich (2)
Leader Assists: Cooke (3)
Team FG: 21-48 (43.8%)
Team 3 Pt: 5-20 (25.0%)
Team FT: 18-24 (75.0%)
Rebounds: 28
Turnovers: 8
Thoughts
That was the most complete game UNCG has played all season (by a mile). I thought everyone that got in made genuine contributions and played within themselves. I was particularly impressed with what RJ White was able to bring on the offensive and defensive ends and Diante Baldwin really played some very good defense. Someone needed to accept that role for this team, and hopefully this game is the start of him accepting it. The entire second half defense was just really good.
On the super bright side for the Spartans, the guards did a wonderful job of taking care of the ball and distributing it to the right places to beat the JMU zone. Parker, Saddler, Potts and Baldwin combined to have only 1 turnover and 10 assists. I also thought the UNCG big men did a good job passing out double teams.
Since I've been hard on UNCG for a couple of weeks now. I have no desire to look for or write anything negative. It was just a good win. The Spartans showed 40 minutes of focus and effort and I'm very happy to see the team win this one. Go Spartans !!!
UNCG Athletics
JMU Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 36 - JMU 42
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Paulos (21)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (7)
Leader Assists: Parker. Saddler (Tied - 5)
Team FG: 27-53 (50.9%)
Team 3 Pt: 11-19 (57.9%)
Team FT: 13-17 (76.5%)
Rebounds: 30
Turnovers: 7
James Madison Stats
Leader Points: Curry (23)
Leader Reboudns: Vadonvich (2)
Leader Assists: Cooke (3)
Team FG: 21-48 (43.8%)
Team 3 Pt: 5-20 (25.0%)
Team FT: 18-24 (75.0%)
Rebounds: 28
Turnovers: 8
Thoughts
That was the most complete game UNCG has played all season (by a mile). I thought everyone that got in made genuine contributions and played within themselves. I was particularly impressed with what RJ White was able to bring on the offensive and defensive ends and Diante Baldwin really played some very good defense. Someone needed to accept that role for this team, and hopefully this game is the start of him accepting it. The entire second half defense was just really good.
On the super bright side for the Spartans, the guards did a wonderful job of taking care of the ball and distributing it to the right places to beat the JMU zone. Parker, Saddler, Potts and Baldwin combined to have only 1 turnover and 10 assists. I also thought the UNCG big men did a good job passing out double teams.
Since I've been hard on UNCG for a couple of weeks now. I have no desire to look for or write anything negative. It was just a good win. The Spartans showed 40 minutes of focus and effort and I'm very happy to see the team win this one. Go Spartans !!!
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
James Madison (3-8) @ UNCG (5-6)
When: Tuesday, December 18 7:00 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
James Madison Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: @ Rutgers (L 72-89) Recap
PPG: 75.1
RPG: 37.6
APG: 14.2
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (15.6)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.1)
Leader Assist: Tevon Saddler (3.5)
FG %: 47.0
3 Pt %: 67.4
FT %: 37.4
James Madison Stats
Last Game:@ High Point (W 84-69) Recap
PPG: 62.6
RPG: 34.6
APG: 8.8
Leader Points: Charles Cooke (16.0)
Leader Rebounds: Taylor Bessick (5.3)
Leader Assists: Ron Curry (2.9)
Team FG %: 40.6
Team 3 Pt %: 25.6
Tean FT %: 72.0
Thoughts
This is going to be a bit of a root canal. UNCG has been completely ground to a halt by any team that will occasionally run a zone defense against them. Well, the Dukes play a zone all the time. They play it on purpose, not just occasionally. So, they have practiced it and are very good at playing it. I'm not expecting this to be a 85-86 game with +74 possessions.
With fewer possessions, UNCG will have to value the ball each time they possess it. Uh oh. This is not the strong suit of the Spartans. UNCG will have to change that on Wednesday in order to pick up a win. They will have to get good looks at the basket and make them.
On the opposite side, James Madison hasn't shown themselves to be very good on the offensive end. They've only broke 70 points twice on the season. If UNCG can buck another of their season long trends by not giving the Dukes easy transition points, they can make life a little easier for themselves.
I'm really just looking for a game where UNCG can show focus and intensity for a full forty minutes. If that happens, I will live with whatever happen on the scoreboard. Go Spartans !!!
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
James Madison Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: @ Rutgers (L 72-89) Recap
PPG: 75.1
RPG: 37.6
APG: 14.2
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (15.6)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.1)
Leader Assist: Tevon Saddler (3.5)
FG %: 47.0
3 Pt %: 67.4
FT %: 37.4
James Madison Stats
Last Game:@ High Point (W 84-69) Recap
PPG: 62.6
RPG: 34.6
APG: 8.8
Leader Points: Charles Cooke (16.0)
Leader Rebounds: Taylor Bessick (5.3)
Leader Assists: Ron Curry (2.9)
Team FG %: 40.6
Team 3 Pt %: 25.6
Tean FT %: 72.0
Thoughts
This is going to be a bit of a root canal. UNCG has been completely ground to a halt by any team that will occasionally run a zone defense against them. Well, the Dukes play a zone all the time. They play it on purpose, not just occasionally. So, they have practiced it and are very good at playing it. I'm not expecting this to be a 85-86 game with +74 possessions.
With fewer possessions, UNCG will have to value the ball each time they possess it. Uh oh. This is not the strong suit of the Spartans. UNCG will have to change that on Wednesday in order to pick up a win. They will have to get good looks at the basket and make them.
On the opposite side, James Madison hasn't shown themselves to be very good on the offensive end. They've only broke 70 points twice on the season. If UNCG can buck another of their season long trends by not giving the Dukes easy transition points, they can make life a little easier for themselves.
I'm really just looking for a game where UNCG can show focus and intensity for a full forty minutes. If that happens, I will live with whatever happen on the scoreboard. Go Spartans !!!
Monday, December 16, 2013
Scanning the SoCon Week #7
Scanning the SoCon - Week #7
Power Rankings 1. Davidson
2. Elon
3. Western Carolina
4. Wofford
5. UNCG
6. UTC
7. Ga Southern
8. Samford
9. App State
10. Citadel
11. Furman
Player of the Week Z Mason
Game of the Week
App St @ Presbyterian
Power Rankings 1. Davidson
2. Elon
3. Western Carolina
4. Wofford
5. UNCG
6. UTC
7. Ga Southern
8. Samford
9. App State
10. Citadel
11. Furman
Player of the Week Z Mason
Game of the Week
App St @ Presbyterian
First Half Hole Too Deep for Spartans
UNCG 72 - Rutgers 89
UNCG Athletics
Rutgers Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 33 - Rutgers 52
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Cain (18)
Leader Reboudns: Cain (8)
Leader Assists: Saddler (4)
Team FG: 27-62 (43.5%)
Team 3 Pt: 7-18 (38.9%)
Team FT: 11-17 64.7%)
Rebounds: 37
Turnovers: 18
Rutgers Stats
Leader Points: Mack (21)
Leader Rebounds: Judge (8)
Leader Assists: Mack (8)
Team FG: 31-62 (50.0%)
Team 3 Pt: 9-20 (45.0%)
Team FT: 18-25 (72.0%)
Rebounds: 37
Turnovers: 10
Thoughts
Stop me if you've heard this one before. UNCG starts off a game slow. They turn the ball over leading to layups and open jump shots in transition. Due to all of this, the Spartans found themselves in a hole at halftime. The entire second half they played solid ball, but not nearly solid enough to come back.
Yeah, we've all heard that one before. The Scarlet Knights scored 26 points off of 18 UNCG turnovers (14 first half). When not given easy baskets in the second half, UNCG beat Rutgers by 2. There is the ballgame. It really is just that simple. Now, the UNCG defense wasn't very good most of the night. Ball screens caused all sorts of chaos and the defense was always a few steps behind. But really it was all those first half turnovers.
With so many freshmen and underclassmen on this team, someone needs to embrace the idea of being a defensive stopper. I really think players like Diante Baldwin or Tyrone Outlaw could completely lock people down if they got in the right mindset. Baldwin offered a nice spark off the bench in the second half at Rutgers. I'd look for him to see more court time, especially as the other guards struggle with turnovers.
So, there it is ... less turnovers and better focus on the defensive end. The losses will continue until those points of emphasis get better. Once they improve, Look out. Go Spartans !!!
UNCG Athletics
Rutgers Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 33 - Rutgers 52
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Cain (18)
Leader Reboudns: Cain (8)
Leader Assists: Saddler (4)
Team FG: 27-62 (43.5%)
Team 3 Pt: 7-18 (38.9%)
Team FT: 11-17 64.7%)
Rebounds: 37
Turnovers: 18
Rutgers Stats
Leader Points: Mack (21)
Leader Rebounds: Judge (8)
Leader Assists: Mack (8)
Team FG: 31-62 (50.0%)
Team 3 Pt: 9-20 (45.0%)
Team FT: 18-25 (72.0%)
Rebounds: 37
Turnovers: 10
Thoughts
Stop me if you've heard this one before. UNCG starts off a game slow. They turn the ball over leading to layups and open jump shots in transition. Due to all of this, the Spartans found themselves in a hole at halftime. The entire second half they played solid ball, but not nearly solid enough to come back.
Yeah, we've all heard that one before. The Scarlet Knights scored 26 points off of 18 UNCG turnovers (14 first half). When not given easy baskets in the second half, UNCG beat Rutgers by 2. There is the ballgame. It really is just that simple. Now, the UNCG defense wasn't very good most of the night. Ball screens caused all sorts of chaos and the defense was always a few steps behind. But really it was all those first half turnovers.
With so many freshmen and underclassmen on this team, someone needs to embrace the idea of being a defensive stopper. I really think players like Diante Baldwin or Tyrone Outlaw could completely lock people down if they got in the right mindset. Baldwin offered a nice spark off the bench in the second half at Rutgers. I'd look for him to see more court time, especially as the other guards struggle with turnovers.
So, there it is ... less turnovers and better focus on the defensive end. The losses will continue until those points of emphasis get better. Once they improve, Look out. Go Spartans !!!
4 Factors - Rutgers
Points Per Possesion
UNCG - 0.94
Rutgers - 1.20
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 49.1
Rutgers - 55.6
TO %
UNCG - 23.6
Rutgers - 13.5
OR %
UNCG - 24.4
Rutgers - 20.4
FT Rate
UNCG - 27.4
Rutgers - 40.3
UNCG - 0.94
Rutgers - 1.20
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 49.1
Rutgers - 55.6
TO %
UNCG - 23.6
Rutgers - 13.5
OR %
UNCG - 24.4
Rutgers - 20.4
FT Rate
UNCG - 27.4
Rutgers - 40.3
Friday, December 13, 2013
UNCG (5-5) @ Rutgers (4-7)
When: Saturday, December 14 4:00 pm
Where: Louis Brown Athletic Center* (8,000)
TV: ESPN3
* Formerly known as the Rutgers Athletics Center. Still called the RAC by most.
Rutgers Athletics
Preseason preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Claflin (W 75-70) Recap
PPG:75.4
RPG: 37.7
APG: 14.2
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (15.4)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.1)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.4)
FG%: 47.4
3 Pt %: 37.3
FT %: 67.6
Rutgers Stats
Last Game: Princeton (L 73-78) Recap
PPG: 76.9
RPG: 37.5
APG: 13.4
Leader Points: Myles Mack (16.0)
Leader Rebounds: Kadeem Jack (7.3)
Leader Asisst: Jerome Seagears (4.5)
FG %: 44.9
3 PT %: 36.8
FT %: 70.1
Thoughts
UNCG and Rutgers are somewhat similar in that both teams are pretty solid on the offensive end of the court and both have zero desire to play any defense whatsoever. The Scarlet Knights have dropped 4 straight games and 6 of their last seven. Their lone win cam over non-D1 Stillman, and losses include mid-majors schools such as William & Mary, Farleigh Dickinson and Princeton. So it would be easy to conclude that Rutgers is ripe for a Spartan upset.
Except that UNCG hasn't been playing particularly well over the last 3 weeks. The intensity hasn't been great (or consistent), the turnovers have been numerous and the defense just hasn't been there period. On the bright side, it seems less likely that UNCG will have to spend much time facing their kryptonite, the zone defense. In that case, look for Kyle Cain and Kayel Locke to have good games. Spartan guards should be able to drive the ball to the basket. However, this Rutgers team does feature size and is averaging over 4 blocks per game. So the guys need to have an idea what they are going to do with the ball before getting into the lane with it. As bad as UNCG has been on defense this year, it would be a shame to give up a bunch of easy baskets too.
I think this is definitely a team that UNCG can compete with and even defeat. It will require a lot more than we've seen out of the Spartans recently. The team will need to play focused, smart and intense basketball for a full 40 minutes and do a better job of valuing ever single possession. If that happens, UNCG has a strong chance to defeat a power conference team on its home floor. Go Spartans !!!
Where: Louis Brown Athletic Center* (8,000)
TV: ESPN3
* Formerly known as the Rutgers Athletics Center. Still called the RAC by most.
Rutgers Athletics
Preseason preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Claflin (W 75-70) Recap
PPG:75.4
RPG: 37.7
APG: 14.2
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (15.4)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.1)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.4)
FG%: 47.4
3 Pt %: 37.3
FT %: 67.6
Rutgers Stats
Last Game: Princeton (L 73-78) Recap
PPG: 76.9
RPG: 37.5
APG: 13.4
Leader Points: Myles Mack (16.0)
Leader Rebounds: Kadeem Jack (7.3)
Leader Asisst: Jerome Seagears (4.5)
FG %: 44.9
3 PT %: 36.8
FT %: 70.1
Thoughts
UNCG and Rutgers are somewhat similar in that both teams are pretty solid on the offensive end of the court and both have zero desire to play any defense whatsoever. The Scarlet Knights have dropped 4 straight games and 6 of their last seven. Their lone win cam over non-D1 Stillman, and losses include mid-majors schools such as William & Mary, Farleigh Dickinson and Princeton. So it would be easy to conclude that Rutgers is ripe for a Spartan upset.
Except that UNCG hasn't been playing particularly well over the last 3 weeks. The intensity hasn't been great (or consistent), the turnovers have been numerous and the defense just hasn't been there period. On the bright side, it seems less likely that UNCG will have to spend much time facing their kryptonite, the zone defense. In that case, look for Kyle Cain and Kayel Locke to have good games. Spartan guards should be able to drive the ball to the basket. However, this Rutgers team does feature size and is averaging over 4 blocks per game. So the guys need to have an idea what they are going to do with the ball before getting into the lane with it. As bad as UNCG has been on defense this year, it would be a shame to give up a bunch of easy baskets too.
I think this is definitely a team that UNCG can compete with and even defeat. It will require a lot more than we've seen out of the Spartans recently. The team will need to play focused, smart and intense basketball for a full 40 minutes and do a better job of valuing ever single possession. If that happens, UNCG has a strong chance to defeat a power conference team on its home floor. Go Spartans !!!
Thursday, December 12, 2013
4 Factors - Claflin
Points Per Possesion
UNCG - 1.13
Claflin - 1.05
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 55.7
Claflin - 43.8
TO %
UNCG - 24.2
Claflin - 7.5
OR %
UNCG - 30.0
Claflin - 20.7
FT Rate
UNCG - 40.3
Claflin - 24.6
UNCG - 1.13
Claflin - 1.05
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 55.7
Claflin - 43.8
TO %
UNCG - 24.2
Claflin - 7.5
OR %
UNCG - 30.0
Claflin - 20.7
FT Rate
UNCG - 40.3
Claflin - 24.6
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
UNCG Beats Back Claflin
UNCG 75 - Claflin 70
UNCG Athletics
Claflin Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 38 - Claflin 24
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Locke (25)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (9)
Leader Assists: Potts (5)
Team FG: 27-52 (51.9%)
Team 3 Pt: 4-13 (30.8%)
Team FT: 17-21 (81.0%)
Rebounds: 42
Turnovers: 16
Claflin Stats
Leader Points: Williams (26)
Leader Rebounds: Pellegrino, Curry (Tied - 6)
Leader Assists: Curry (7)
Team FG: 24-65 (36.9%)
Team 3 Pt: 9-21 (42.9%)
Team FT: 13-16 (81.3%)
Rebounds: 28
Turnovers: 5
Thoughts
Well, that was certainly much closer than it really should have been. UNCG had all but put this game away by halftime. The lead was 19 with about a minute to go and all was right with the world. But the second half was just a mess. Not enough energy, or smart plays, or defense. In the end, the Spartans did make some plays down the stretch and did get a couple of crucial stops. They also made some timely free throws and left with a win.
The same old problems keep showing up for G. Not creating turnovers (5) and too many turnovers (16) on their own end. In the first half, the defense forced Claflin to take tough "runners" in the lane over bigger post players. It worked. At halftime, the Panthers were only shooting 20.0%. In the second half, everybody got caught with their hands by their sides and Claflin players happily nailed 3 after 3. Also, the zone defense used by Claflin proved to be very effective against UNCG. The Spartans are young and not always patient. All of these things have got to improve.
On the bright side, Kayel Locke really played strong. He, Kyle Cain and RJ White really did a good job of rebounding the ball and making the close range shots. UNCG is very effective on the offensive end, especially against teams where it matches up better in terms of size. This should be the case on most nights in Southern Conference play. However, for the next few weeks UNCG will find itself of the size deficit against teams from the CAA, AAC and ACC. They will have to play more sound fundamentally to win those games. As for today, it goes down as a win. That works, I guess. Go Spartans !!!
UNCG Athletics
Claflin Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 38 - Claflin 24
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Locke (25)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (9)
Leader Assists: Potts (5)
Team FG: 27-52 (51.9%)
Team 3 Pt: 4-13 (30.8%)
Team FT: 17-21 (81.0%)
Rebounds: 42
Turnovers: 16
Claflin Stats
Leader Points: Williams (26)
Leader Rebounds: Pellegrino, Curry (Tied - 6)
Leader Assists: Curry (7)
Team FG: 24-65 (36.9%)
Team 3 Pt: 9-21 (42.9%)
Team FT: 13-16 (81.3%)
Rebounds: 28
Turnovers: 5
Thoughts
Well, that was certainly much closer than it really should have been. UNCG had all but put this game away by halftime. The lead was 19 with about a minute to go and all was right with the world. But the second half was just a mess. Not enough energy, or smart plays, or defense. In the end, the Spartans did make some plays down the stretch and did get a couple of crucial stops. They also made some timely free throws and left with a win.
The same old problems keep showing up for G. Not creating turnovers (5) and too many turnovers (16) on their own end. In the first half, the defense forced Claflin to take tough "runners" in the lane over bigger post players. It worked. At halftime, the Panthers were only shooting 20.0%. In the second half, everybody got caught with their hands by their sides and Claflin players happily nailed 3 after 3. Also, the zone defense used by Claflin proved to be very effective against UNCG. The Spartans are young and not always patient. All of these things have got to improve.
On the bright side, Kayel Locke really played strong. He, Kyle Cain and RJ White really did a good job of rebounding the ball and making the close range shots. UNCG is very effective on the offensive end, especially against teams where it matches up better in terms of size. This should be the case on most nights in Southern Conference play. However, for the next few weeks UNCG will find itself of the size deficit against teams from the CAA, AAC and ACC. They will have to play more sound fundamentally to win those games. As for today, it goes down as a win. That works, I guess. Go Spartans !!!
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Scanning the SoCon Week #6
Scanning the SoCon - Week #6
Power Rankings
1. Davidson
2. Elon
3. Western Carolina
4. Ga Southern
5. Furman
6. Wofford
7. UNCG
8. UTC
9. Samford
10. App State
11. Citadel
Game of the Week
Drexel @ Davidson
Player of the Week
Tom Droney
Sum up your team since the last time you wrote.
Since the last time I wrote for "Scanning the SoCon", UNCG has gone 3-4. The Spartans whipped up on two non-D1's (Greensboro College, Chowan) before heading down to Naples, Florida to play in the Gulf Coast Showcase. At that tournament, the Spartans ran into a buzzsaw called Louisiana Tech before dropping their second game to a very good San Diego team. UNCG won the 7th place game against Stetson. This past week though, has been a disaster for UNCG. They were thoroughly beaten at home by a bad Presbyterian team and dropped a game to Carolina that was never close. The theme to all of these games have been UNCG's inability to get off to anything that resembled a good start. Also the Spartans have just repeatedly turned the ball over. Kyle Cain has been very good all season, but the youth at the guard positions has really been the tough spot. In order for UNCG to get better, they are going to need the team to step up and value the ball more. Also the defense hasn't been very good at all. That will definitely need to get shored up moving forward.
The SoCon would have a slightly better RPI more than likely if ETSU, Mercer and VMI were in the conference and Davidson, Appalachian State, Georgia Southern and Elon were gone. Long term, what are your thoughts on the SoCon's future?
I really like what the new teams will bring to the SoCon. Obviously, losing Davidson really hurts from a basketball standpoint. Losing Elon and App State hurts UNCG form a rivalry standpoint. However, I like the idea of the Southern Conference getting back into Virginia with VMI and I think Mercer will bring a strong across the board athletics program to the conference. ETSU should have always been in the SoCon. So to me they seemed like a "no brainer" as far as adding them back to conference. When looking at the SoCon's future (as regards to basketball) with the new teams, I think things will be about the same. It should be slightly more competitive with no Davidson in the conference. However, this year looks to be very competitive even with Davidson in the league.
With the Big Ten-ACC Challenge fresh on your mind, what conference would you like to see the SoCon have a conference challenge against?
Based on how the SoCon has played against OOC competition, I think a SoCon-CIAA challenge would be a good one. In all seriousness, I think it would be fun to see an OVC-SoCon challenge. The SoCon already plays a bunch of Big South & Atlantic Sun teams. So, I think it would be nice to see the Southern Conference play OVC teams. But that just a personal preference. I think the SoCon playing any mid or low major conference in one of these challenges would be a good thing.
Power Rankings
1. Davidson
2. Elon
3. Western Carolina
4. Ga Southern
5. Furman
6. Wofford
7. UNCG
8. UTC
9. Samford
10. App State
11. Citadel
Game of the Week
Drexel @ Davidson
Player of the Week
Tom Droney
Sum up your team since the last time you wrote.
Since the last time I wrote for "Scanning the SoCon", UNCG has gone 3-4. The Spartans whipped up on two non-D1's (Greensboro College, Chowan) before heading down to Naples, Florida to play in the Gulf Coast Showcase. At that tournament, the Spartans ran into a buzzsaw called Louisiana Tech before dropping their second game to a very good San Diego team. UNCG won the 7th place game against Stetson. This past week though, has been a disaster for UNCG. They were thoroughly beaten at home by a bad Presbyterian team and dropped a game to Carolina that was never close. The theme to all of these games have been UNCG's inability to get off to anything that resembled a good start. Also the Spartans have just repeatedly turned the ball over. Kyle Cain has been very good all season, but the youth at the guard positions has really been the tough spot. In order for UNCG to get better, they are going to need the team to step up and value the ball more. Also the defense hasn't been very good at all. That will definitely need to get shored up moving forward.
The SoCon would have a slightly better RPI more than likely if ETSU, Mercer and VMI were in the conference and Davidson, Appalachian State, Georgia Southern and Elon were gone. Long term, what are your thoughts on the SoCon's future?
I really like what the new teams will bring to the SoCon. Obviously, losing Davidson really hurts from a basketball standpoint. Losing Elon and App State hurts UNCG form a rivalry standpoint. However, I like the idea of the Southern Conference getting back into Virginia with VMI and I think Mercer will bring a strong across the board athletics program to the conference. ETSU should have always been in the SoCon. So to me they seemed like a "no brainer" as far as adding them back to conference. When looking at the SoCon's future (as regards to basketball) with the new teams, I think things will be about the same. It should be slightly more competitive with no Davidson in the conference. However, this year looks to be very competitive even with Davidson in the league.
With the Big Ten-ACC Challenge fresh on your mind, what conference would you like to see the SoCon have a conference challenge against?
Based on how the SoCon has played against OOC competition, I think a SoCon-CIAA challenge would be a good one. In all seriousness, I think it would be fun to see an OVC-SoCon challenge. The SoCon already plays a bunch of Big South & Atlantic Sun teams. So, I think it would be nice to see the Southern Conference play OVC teams. But that just a personal preference. I think the SoCon playing any mid or low major conference in one of these challenges would be a good thing.
Claflin (3-4) @ UNCG (4-5)
When: Tuesday, December 11 12:00 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
Claflin Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: @ UNC (L 50-81) Recap
PPG: 75.4
RPG: 37.2
APG: 14.3
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (16.4)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.0)
Leader Assist: Tevon Saddler (3.6)
FG %: 46.9
3 Pt %: 37.8
FT %: 66.4
Claflin Stats
Last Game: @ West Alabama (L 62-85) Recap
PPG: 73.7
RPG: 32.4
APG: 12.7
Leader Points: Marcellus Dunn (15.2)
Leader Rebounds: Marcellus Dunn (5.7)
Leader Assists: Brandon Curry (5.1)
Team FG %: 42.1
Team 3 Pt %: 32.0
Tean FT %: 72.8
Thoughts
I just spent 30 minutes working out all of Claflin's stats by hand because their website sucks. So, I hope UNCG beats them by 60. damnit that was annoying. Moving on ...
Claflin likes to take a bunch of 3's and can hit their fair share. Since defending the 3 has shown to be a weakness of UNCG so far this season, that worries me a little bit. However, this is a non-D1 team with a (3-4) record. The Spartans should spent the first half putting some distance between themselves and Claflin before spending the second half getting a lot of guys some time on the court.
The scary part of this game is that UNCG continues to come out slow and not slow a lot of energy at teh start. This is a noon tip that will have 4,000 GCS students in attendence. The atmosphere will be completely different than a normal game. The Spartans will have to start fast and put their foot on this team early. I think they cna do it. Go Spartans !!!
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
Claflin Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: @ UNC (L 50-81) Recap
PPG: 75.4
RPG: 37.2
APG: 14.3
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (16.4)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.0)
Leader Assist: Tevon Saddler (3.6)
FG %: 46.9
3 Pt %: 37.8
FT %: 66.4
Claflin Stats
Last Game: @ West Alabama (L 62-85) Recap
PPG: 73.7
RPG: 32.4
APG: 12.7
Leader Points: Marcellus Dunn (15.2)
Leader Rebounds: Marcellus Dunn (5.7)
Leader Assists: Brandon Curry (5.1)
Team FG %: 42.1
Team 3 Pt %: 32.0
Tean FT %: 72.8
Thoughts
I just spent 30 minutes working out all of Claflin's stats by hand because their website sucks. So, I hope UNCG beats them by 60. damnit that was annoying. Moving on ...
Claflin likes to take a bunch of 3's and can hit their fair share. Since defending the 3 has shown to be a weakness of UNCG so far this season, that worries me a little bit. However, this is a non-D1 team with a (3-4) record. The Spartans should spent the first half putting some distance between themselves and Claflin before spending the second half getting a lot of guys some time on the court.
The scary part of this game is that UNCG continues to come out slow and not slow a lot of energy at teh start. This is a noon tip that will have 4,000 GCS students in attendence. The atmosphere will be completely different than a normal game. The Spartans will have to start fast and put their foot on this team early. I think they cna do it. Go Spartans !!!
Monday, December 9, 2013
4 Factors - UNC
Points Per Possesion
UNCG - 0.74
UNC - 1.18
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 43.8
UNC - 49.2
TO %
UNCG - 31.2
UNC - 19.0
OR %
UNCG - 16.3
UNC - 45.0
FT Rate
UNCG - 26.5
UNC - 39.3
UNCG - 0.74
UNC - 1.18
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 43.8
UNC - 49.2
TO %
UNCG - 31.2
UNC - 19.0
OR %
UNCG - 16.3
UNC - 45.0
FT Rate
UNCG - 26.5
UNC - 39.3
Tar Heels Sprint to Easy Victory
UNCG 50 - UNC 81
UNCG Athletics
UNC Atheltics
Halftime: UNCG 14 - UNC 44
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Cain, Locke (Tied - 13)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (8)
Leader Assists: Locke, Saddler, Parker, Paulos (Tied - 2)
Team FG: 20-49 (40.8%)
Team 3 Pt: 3-14 (21.4%)
Team FT: 7-13 (53.8%)
Rebounds: 28
Turnovers: 21
UNC Stats
Leader Points: Johnson (14)
Leader Rebounds: Meeks (8)
Leader Assists: Paige (8)
Team FG: 32-66 (48.5%)
Team 3 Pt: 1-6 (16.7%)
Team FT: 16-26 (61.5%)
Rebounds: 46
Turnovers: 13
Thoughts
For the first five minutes and the last 20 minutes, UNCG looked very competitive with a very good UNC team that has beat two top 5 ranked teams. The final 15 minutes of the first half, however, is where UNCG lost the game. The Tar Heels forced the Spartans into a bunch of turnovers that led to easy baskets. They clogged up driving lanes and did pretty much whatever they wanted on the offensive end. Optimistic UNCG fans were wanting to see a little more out of the team, but they looked like a young team in awe of the environment and the name on the front of their opponents jerseys.
On the plus side, I thought UNCG's defense was better than it has been in recent weeks. They came out and played with energy throughout the game. The quick 13-4 run after halftime showed flashes of what this team is really capable of doing in the future. The hole was just too big. Kyle Cain looked good again and it was good to see Kayel Locke play solid. I think he's been pressing too much, but he really looks comfortable on the bigger stages right now (see: NC State last year). I really hope he can get fully back on track coming up soon.
UNCG guards really had a tough time hanging on to the ball again in this game. The 21 turnovers basically were the story of the game. UNC scored 30 points of those turnovers, and won by 31. A lot of teams would turn the ball over against that kind of pressure, but this has been a trend in almost all of the Spartans games. It's something that needs to get corrected before conference play starts next month.
In the end this game was more about the experience than the score. There are some winnable games on the schedule coming up, but UNCG will have to play well. I hope that happens starting on Wednesday afternoon. Go Spartans !!!
UNCG Athletics
UNC Atheltics
Halftime: UNCG 14 - UNC 44
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Cain, Locke (Tied - 13)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (8)
Leader Assists: Locke, Saddler, Parker, Paulos (Tied - 2)
Team FG: 20-49 (40.8%)
Team 3 Pt: 3-14 (21.4%)
Team FT: 7-13 (53.8%)
Rebounds: 28
Turnovers: 21
UNC Stats
Leader Points: Johnson (14)
Leader Rebounds: Meeks (8)
Leader Assists: Paige (8)
Team FG: 32-66 (48.5%)
Team 3 Pt: 1-6 (16.7%)
Team FT: 16-26 (61.5%)
Rebounds: 46
Turnovers: 13
Thoughts
For the first five minutes and the last 20 minutes, UNCG looked very competitive with a very good UNC team that has beat two top 5 ranked teams. The final 15 minutes of the first half, however, is where UNCG lost the game. The Tar Heels forced the Spartans into a bunch of turnovers that led to easy baskets. They clogged up driving lanes and did pretty much whatever they wanted on the offensive end. Optimistic UNCG fans were wanting to see a little more out of the team, but they looked like a young team in awe of the environment and the name on the front of their opponents jerseys.
On the plus side, I thought UNCG's defense was better than it has been in recent weeks. They came out and played with energy throughout the game. The quick 13-4 run after halftime showed flashes of what this team is really capable of doing in the future. The hole was just too big. Kyle Cain looked good again and it was good to see Kayel Locke play solid. I think he's been pressing too much, but he really looks comfortable on the bigger stages right now (see: NC State last year). I really hope he can get fully back on track coming up soon.
UNCG guards really had a tough time hanging on to the ball again in this game. The 21 turnovers basically were the story of the game. UNC scored 30 points of those turnovers, and won by 31. A lot of teams would turn the ball over against that kind of pressure, but this has been a trend in almost all of the Spartans games. It's something that needs to get corrected before conference play starts next month.
In the end this game was more about the experience than the score. There are some winnable games on the schedule coming up, but UNCG will have to play well. I hope that happens starting on Wednesday afternoon. Go Spartans !!!
Friday, December 6, 2013
UNCG (4-4) @ UNC (5-2)
When: Saturday, December 7 7:00 pm
Where: Dean E. Smith Center (21,750)
TV: ESPNU
UNC Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Presbyterian (L 99-87) Recap
PPG: 78.6
RPG: 38.4
APG: 14.9
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (16.9)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.0)
Leader Assist: Tevon Saddler (3.8)
FG %:47.6
3 Pt %: 39.4
FT %: 67.1
UNC Stats
Last Game: @ #1 Michigan State (W 79-65) Recap
PPG: 77.0
RPG: 40.9
APG: 15.1
Leader Points: Marcus Paige (19.7)
Leader Rebounds: Brice Johnson (7.0)
Leader Assists: Marcus Paige (4.0)
FG %: 47.7
3 Pt %: 31.0
FT %: 61.8
Thoughts
Well this game has certainly taken on a different feel over the past few days. UNC went out and totally dominated the #1 ranked team on their home floor. Meanwhile UNCG went out and got totally crushed by what was the worst offensive team in D1. This game was always going to be a stretch to see the Spartans really being able to compete in for long periods of time. I still feel like that is the case due to UNCG's inability to defend and the fact that UNC is a very, very talented offensive team.
But if I was looking for things to feel positive about, the fact that UNC is not a good 3 point shooting team (something that has really hurt UNCG this season). The Tar Heels have played very well against major competition, but have struggled against the mid majors on their schedule. Hopefully the trend of playing to their competition will continue.
UNCG will need to shoot the ball well (which it has done most of the year) and do a much better job of taking care the ball. They will always need a lot of luck. In the end, this will be a game that I probably won't be as concerned about the score as what I'm seeing out of the Spartans. I hope UNCG comes out focused and prepared.
Go Spartans !!!
Where: Dean E. Smith Center (21,750)
TV: ESPNU
UNC Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Presbyterian (L 99-87) Recap
PPG: 78.6
RPG: 38.4
APG: 14.9
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (16.9)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.0)
Leader Assist: Tevon Saddler (3.8)
FG %:47.6
3 Pt %: 39.4
FT %: 67.1
UNC Stats
Last Game: @ #1 Michigan State (W 79-65) Recap
PPG: 77.0
RPG: 40.9
APG: 15.1
Leader Points: Marcus Paige (19.7)
Leader Rebounds: Brice Johnson (7.0)
Leader Assists: Marcus Paige (4.0)
FG %: 47.7
3 Pt %: 31.0
FT %: 61.8
Thoughts
Well this game has certainly taken on a different feel over the past few days. UNC went out and totally dominated the #1 ranked team on their home floor. Meanwhile UNCG went out and got totally crushed by what was the worst offensive team in D1. This game was always going to be a stretch to see the Spartans really being able to compete in for long periods of time. I still feel like that is the case due to UNCG's inability to defend and the fact that UNC is a very, very talented offensive team.
But if I was looking for things to feel positive about, the fact that UNC is not a good 3 point shooting team (something that has really hurt UNCG this season). The Tar Heels have played very well against major competition, but have struggled against the mid majors on their schedule. Hopefully the trend of playing to their competition will continue.
UNCG will need to shoot the ball well (which it has done most of the year) and do a much better job of taking care the ball. They will always need a lot of luck. In the end, this will be a game that I probably won't be as concerned about the score as what I'm seeing out of the Spartans. I hope UNCG comes out focused and prepared.
Go Spartans !!!
4 Factors - Presbyterian
Points Per Possesion
UNCG - 0.89
Presbyterian - 1.20
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 42.6
Presbyterian - 73.9
TO %
UNCG - 20.3
Presbyterian - 19.4
OR %
UNCG - 32.6
Presbyterian - 9.5
FT Rate
UNCG - 23.5
Presbyterian - 73.9
UNCG - 0.89
Presbyterian - 1.20
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 42.6
Presbyterian - 73.9
TO %
UNCG - 20.3
Presbyterian - 19.4
OR %
UNCG - 32.6
Presbyterian - 9.5
FT Rate
UNCG - 23.5
Presbyterian - 73.9
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Blue Hose Completely Dominate UNCG
UNCG 66 - Presbyterian 87
UNCG Athletics
Presbyterian Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 22 - Presbyterian 37
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Paulos (22)
Leader Reboudns: Cain (11)
Leader Assists: Saddler (4)
Team FG: 24-68 (35.3%)
Team 3 Pt: 10-26 (38.5%)
Team FT: 8-16 (50.0%)
Rebounds: 38
Turnovers: 15
Presbyterian Stats
Leader Points: Downing (37)
Leader Reboudns: Truss (13)
Leader Assists: Dillard (8)
Team FG: 29-45 (63.0%)
Team 3 Pt: 8-14 (57.1%)
Team FT: 21-34 (61.8%)
Rebounds: 35
Turnovers: 14
Thoughts
From my preview ...
For UNCG to get back to winning games, they are going to have to get back to playing the first 5 minutes like they are the most important in the world. Over the last 5 contests they have not really gotten off to good starts and the results haven't been particularly good. I'm not sure what caused the bad start last night, but this team isn't too a level where they can take any team lightly. Wins are wins and they have to be earned.
I'm assuming coach Miller will not allow his team to go on to his former court and embarrass him on Saturday night. So, I look for more effort and energy from the team. Go Spartans !!!
UNCG Athletics
Presbyterian Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 22 - Presbyterian 37
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Paulos (22)
Leader Reboudns: Cain (11)
Leader Assists: Saddler (4)
Team FG: 24-68 (35.3%)
Team 3 Pt: 10-26 (38.5%)
Team FT: 8-16 (50.0%)
Rebounds: 38
Turnovers: 15
Presbyterian Stats
Leader Points: Downing (37)
Leader Reboudns: Truss (13)
Leader Assists: Dillard (8)
Team FG: 29-45 (63.0%)
Team 3 Pt: 8-14 (57.1%)
Team FT: 21-34 (61.8%)
Rebounds: 35
Turnovers: 14
Thoughts
From my preview ...
While on paper this looks like a game UNCG should win, I won't go quite that far. It's a game UNCG can win. But this is a D1 OOC opponent, and the Spartans haven't defeated many of those in the past 5 years. So, I have no desire to start counting chickens or eggs. UNCG will need to take better care of the basketball and try to force Presbyterian into playing a fast pace. The team will need to do a better job on the defensive end and stayed focused for the entire 40 minutes.So about all that stuff ... yeah. UNCG didn't do any of it. This was by all available information, the worst offensive team in D1 and the Spartans literally offered up any shot the Blue Hose wanted. I'm not really going to spend much more time on this game as the stats really do tell the whole story and the story isn't very pretty.
For UNCG to get back to winning games, they are going to have to get back to playing the first 5 minutes like they are the most important in the world. Over the last 5 contests they have not really gotten off to good starts and the results haven't been particularly good. I'm not sure what caused the bad start last night, but this team isn't too a level where they can take any team lightly. Wins are wins and they have to be earned.
I'm assuming coach Miller will not allow his team to go on to his former court and embarrass him on Saturday night. So, I look for more effort and energy from the team. Go Spartans !!!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
What the F^#% Was That ?????
No, seriously. What was that? I have never seen a UNCG team show up as utterly unprepared and uninspired as that as long as I have been following them. The Spartans were beaten soundly on both ends of the court. They were out-coached and out-hustled. Not to be lost is that is a bad basketball team that just came into the Greensboro Coliseum and completely destroyed UNCG.
I will have a full write up tomorrow. Right now, I need some time to really digest what I just witnessed. Ugh.
I will have a full write up tomorrow. Right now, I need some time to really digest what I just witnessed. Ugh.
Scanning the SoCon - Week 5
Scanning the SoCon - Week #5
Power Rankings
1. Davidson
2. Western Carolina
3. Elon
4. UNCG
5. UTC
6. Furman
7. Ga Southern
8. App State
9. Wofford
10. Samford
11. Citadel
Game of the Week
Davidson @ UNCC
Player of the Week
Jelani Hewitt
Power Rankings
1. Davidson
2. Western Carolina
3. Elon
4. UNCG
5. UTC
6. Furman
7. Ga Southern
8. App State
9. Wofford
10. Samford
11. Citadel
Game of the Week
Davidson @ UNCC
Player of the Week
Jelani Hewitt
Monday, December 2, 2013
Presbyterian (1-7) @ UNCG (4-3)
When: Tuesday, December 3 7:00 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
Presbyterian Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Stetson* (W 75-68) Recap
PPG: 80.4
RPG: 38.4
APG: 15.0
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (17.9)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (7.6)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.7)
FG %: 49.7
3 Pt %: 39.7
FT %: 68.6
Presbyterian Stats
Last Game: Ga Southern* (L 66-76) Recap
PPG: 59.5
RPG: 31.5
APG: 12.6
Leader Points: Jordan Downing (17.6)
Leader Rebounds: William Truss (9.8)
Leader Assists: Austin Anderson (5.0)
FG %: 39.0
3 Pt %: 37.8
FT %: 58.3
* - Game played at a neutral location
Thoughts
The Blue Hose is not a very good offensive team. That is just putting it bluntly. UNCG is not a very good defensive team. That is also very blunt. Which team will be more adequate in their weakest spot is now the question.
Presbyterian has went over 70 point only once this season (their lone win versus Toccoa Falls) and is led by Davidson transfer Jordan Downing. Also playing a big part with Presbyterian is freshman Reggie Dillard from Greensboro Day. There was some interest in Dillard from UNCG during the recruiting process. Besides Downing, Dillard and William Truss, there is no Blue Hose player averaging over 6 points per game. Presbyterian has already lost to SoCon members Citadel and Georgia Southern. They will play Furman, App State and Samford before this month is over.
While on paper this looks like a game UNCG should win, I won't go quite that far. It's a game UNCG can win. But this is a D1 OOC opponent, and the Spartans haven't defeated many of those in the past 5 years. So, I have no desire to start counting chickens or eggs. UNCG will need to take better care of the basketball and try to force Presbyterian into playing a fast pace. The team will need to do a better job on the defensive end and stayed focused for the entire 40 minutes. If those things happen, I feel better about their chances to pick up the win. Go Spartans !!!
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
Presbyterian Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Stetson* (W 75-68) Recap
PPG: 80.4
RPG: 38.4
APG: 15.0
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (17.9)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (7.6)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.7)
FG %: 49.7
3 Pt %: 39.7
FT %: 68.6
Presbyterian Stats
Last Game: Ga Southern* (L 66-76) Recap
PPG: 59.5
RPG: 31.5
APG: 12.6
Leader Points: Jordan Downing (17.6)
Leader Rebounds: William Truss (9.8)
Leader Assists: Austin Anderson (5.0)
FG %: 39.0
3 Pt %: 37.8
FT %: 58.3
* - Game played at a neutral location
Thoughts
The Blue Hose is not a very good offensive team. That is just putting it bluntly. UNCG is not a very good defensive team. That is also very blunt. Which team will be more adequate in their weakest spot is now the question.
Presbyterian has went over 70 point only once this season (their lone win versus Toccoa Falls) and is led by Davidson transfer Jordan Downing. Also playing a big part with Presbyterian is freshman Reggie Dillard from Greensboro Day. There was some interest in Dillard from UNCG during the recruiting process. Besides Downing, Dillard and William Truss, there is no Blue Hose player averaging over 6 points per game. Presbyterian has already lost to SoCon members Citadel and Georgia Southern. They will play Furman, App State and Samford before this month is over.
While on paper this looks like a game UNCG should win, I won't go quite that far. It's a game UNCG can win. But this is a D1 OOC opponent, and the Spartans haven't defeated many of those in the past 5 years. So, I have no desire to start counting chickens or eggs. UNCG will need to take better care of the basketball and try to force Presbyterian into playing a fast pace. The team will need to do a better job on the defensive end and stayed focused for the entire 40 minutes. If those things happen, I feel better about their chances to pick up the win. Go Spartans !!!
4 Factors - Stetson
Points Per Possesion
UNCG - 1.08
Stetson - 1.04
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 53.9
Stetson - 46.2
TO %
UNCG - 21.7
Stetson - 15.4
OR %
UNCG - 23.6
Stetson - 21.4
FT Rate
UNCG - 49.0
Stetson - 43.3
UNCG - 1.08
Stetson - 1.04
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 53.9
Stetson - 46.2
TO %
UNCG - 21.7
Stetson - 15.4
OR %
UNCG - 23.6
Stetson - 21.4
FT Rate
UNCG - 49.0
Stetson - 43.3
4 Factors - San Diego
Points Per Possesion
UNCG - 1.05
USD - 1.24
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 54.6
USD - 57.6
TO %
UNCG - 19.2
USD - 10.4
OR %
UNCG - 18.4
USD - 20.5
FT Rate
UNCG - 29.6
USD - 59.6
UNCG - 1.05
USD - 1.24
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 54.6
USD - 57.6
TO %
UNCG - 19.2
USD - 10.4
OR %
UNCG - 18.4
USD - 20.5
FT Rate
UNCG - 29.6
USD - 59.6
4 Factors - La Tech
Points Per Possesion
UNCG - 0.81
La Tech - 1.29
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 45.3
La Tech - 75.4
TO %
UNCG - 24.8
La Tech - 23.4
OR %
UNCG - 14.2
La Tech - 20.6
FT Rate
UNCG - 37.0
La Tech - 28.0
UNCG - 0.81
La Tech - 1.29
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 45.3
La Tech - 75.4
TO %
UNCG - 24.8
La Tech - 23.4
OR %
UNCG - 14.2
La Tech - 20.6
FT Rate
UNCG - 37.0
La Tech - 28.0
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Spartans Outlast Hatters on Final Day in Florida
UNCG 75 - Stetson 68
UNCG Athletics
Stetson Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 36 - Stetson 34
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Cain (21)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (11)
Leader Assists: Potts (5)
Team FG: 24-51 (47.1%)
Team 3 Pt: 7-15 (46.7%)
Team FT: 20-25 (80.0%)
Rebounds: 33
Turnovers: 15
Stetson Stats
Leader Points: Andrews (16)
Leader Rebounds: Smith (9)
Leader Andrews (7)
Team FG: 22-53 (41.5%)
Team 3 Pt: 5-14 (35.7%)
Team FT: 19-23 (82.6%)
Thoughts
For the second straight day, UNCG came out completely flat. Stetson jumped out to a 14-5 lead. But unlike Tuesday, the Spartans recovered and went to the locker room with a 36-34 lead, The second half saw the lead seesaw back and forth until two late defensive stands by UNCG coupled with making 5-6 free throws allowed the Spartans to leave Florida with a win.
There were a lot of things to like about this game. I thought Tyrone Outlaw and Kyle Cain really carried the team and Jordan Potts continues to shoot the ball with confidence. It was good to see Nicholas Paulos start to make some shots. It was always a matter of time before his shots started to fall, but he made 2 straight at a very important time in the game.
UNCG still had some of the same issues as Tuesday. The team still struggled to put together stretches of good offensive and defensive possessions. There were still way too many turnovers. However, it is still a win. Now the guys can take off Thanksgiving and come back ready to go against Presbyterian at home next week.
Go Spartans !!!
UNCG Athletics
Stetson Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 36 - Stetson 34
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Cain (21)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (11)
Leader Assists: Potts (5)
Team FG: 24-51 (47.1%)
Team 3 Pt: 7-15 (46.7%)
Team FT: 20-25 (80.0%)
Rebounds: 33
Turnovers: 15
Stetson Stats
Leader Points: Andrews (16)
Leader Rebounds: Smith (9)
Leader Andrews (7)
Team FG: 22-53 (41.5%)
Team 3 Pt: 5-14 (35.7%)
Team FT: 19-23 (82.6%)
Thoughts
For the second straight day, UNCG came out completely flat. Stetson jumped out to a 14-5 lead. But unlike Tuesday, the Spartans recovered and went to the locker room with a 36-34 lead, The second half saw the lead seesaw back and forth until two late defensive stands by UNCG coupled with making 5-6 free throws allowed the Spartans to leave Florida with a win.
There were a lot of things to like about this game. I thought Tyrone Outlaw and Kyle Cain really carried the team and Jordan Potts continues to shoot the ball with confidence. It was good to see Nicholas Paulos start to make some shots. It was always a matter of time before his shots started to fall, but he made 2 straight at a very important time in the game.
UNCG still had some of the same issues as Tuesday. The team still struggled to put together stretches of good offensive and defensive possessions. There were still way too many turnovers. However, it is still a win. Now the guys can take off Thanksgiving and come back ready to go against Presbyterian at home next week.
Go Spartans !!!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Spartans Start Slow, Fall to San Diego
UNCG 71 - San Diego 83
UNCG Athletics
San Diego Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 38 - San Diego 45
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Cain (21)
Leader Rebounds: Cain, White (Tied - 5)
Leader Assists: Cain, Potts (Tied - 3)
Team FG: 26-54 (48.1%)
Team 3 Pt: 7-22 (31.8%)
Team FT: 12-16 (75.0%)
Rebounds: 27
Turnovers: 13
San Diego Stats
Leader Points: Sanadze (20)
Leader Rebounds: Kramer (7)
Leader Assists: Anderson (5)
Team FG: 28-52 (53.8%)
Team 3 Pt: 4-14 (28.6%)
Leader FT: 23-31 (74.2%)
Rebounds: 31
Turnovers: 7
Thoughts
The Spartans came out for the noon tip time lethargic and they were quickly in a 13-2 hole after just 4 minutes. From there, UNCG played well in spurts. However, that first few minutes sealed their fate. This team has looked like a young club this week in Florida.
UNCG got themselves back into the game and had several chances in both halves to take the lead. It seemed like every time that they got within a possession, there would be a bad shot, a turnover or a missed assignment on defense. Also, the Toreros came up with some big offensive rebounds at tough times.
In order for UNCG to win games, they are going to have to bring effort for a full 40 minutes and do all of the little things right. Today's contest was a glaring example of that exact statement. Tomorrow the Spartans will face Stetson at noon. I'll be interested to see if UNCG has learned from today. Go Spartans !!!
UNCG Athletics
San Diego Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 38 - San Diego 45
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Cain (21)
Leader Rebounds: Cain, White (Tied - 5)
Leader Assists: Cain, Potts (Tied - 3)
Team FG: 26-54 (48.1%)
Team 3 Pt: 7-22 (31.8%)
Team FT: 12-16 (75.0%)
Rebounds: 27
Turnovers: 13
San Diego Stats
Leader Points: Sanadze (20)
Leader Rebounds: Kramer (7)
Leader Assists: Anderson (5)
Team FG: 28-52 (53.8%)
Team 3 Pt: 4-14 (28.6%)
Leader FT: 23-31 (74.2%)
Rebounds: 31
Turnovers: 7
Thoughts
The Spartans came out for the noon tip time lethargic and they were quickly in a 13-2 hole after just 4 minutes. From there, UNCG played well in spurts. However, that first few minutes sealed their fate. This team has looked like a young club this week in Florida.
UNCG got themselves back into the game and had several chances in both halves to take the lead. It seemed like every time that they got within a possession, there would be a bad shot, a turnover or a missed assignment on defense. Also, the Toreros came up with some big offensive rebounds at tough times.
In order for UNCG to win games, they are going to have to bring effort for a full 40 minutes and do all of the little things right. Today's contest was a glaring example of that exact statement. Tomorrow the Spartans will face Stetson at noon. I'll be interested to see if UNCG has learned from today. Go Spartans !!!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Bulldogs Destroy Spartans
UNCG 62 - La Tech 99
UNCG Athletics
La Tech Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 33 - La Tech 48
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Jordan Potts (13)
Leader Rebounds: Saddler (5)
Leader Assists: Saddler, Parker, Paulos (Tied - 2)
Team FG: 21-54 (38.9%)
Team 3 Pt: 7-19 (36.8%)
Team FT: 13-20 (65.0%)
Rebounds: 23
Turnovers: 19
La Tech Stats
Leader Points: Hamilton (26)
Leader Rebounds: Kyser (6)
Leader Assists: Appleby (7)
Team FG: 36-57 (63.2%)
Team 3 Pt: 14-25 (56.0%)
Team FT: 13-16 (81.3%)
Rebounds: 36
Turnovers: 18
Thoughts
Well, that was certainly unpleasant to watch as a Spartan fan. UNCG as buried under a mountain of turnovers and Bulldog 3 pointers. In the second half alone, La Tech missed 8 shots total and only 3 from inside the arc. They made 14 shots behind the arc including a 30 foot alley oop attempt that banked into the basket. That's just how the day went for both teams.
UNCG played a legitimate NCAA at large team and got obliterated. I thought we'd learn more about the team from these 3 days in Florida than in the the first 3 weeks of the season. Well, so far we've learned that the Spartans aren't quite ready to take that big jump up quite yet. Starting tomorrow at noon, we'll get to see if UNCG can rebound from a tough loss. San Diego represents another strong mid-major program and will pose a stern test.
Let's hope we see a solid response. Go Spartans !!!
UNCG Athletics
La Tech Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 33 - La Tech 48
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Jordan Potts (13)
Leader Rebounds: Saddler (5)
Leader Assists: Saddler, Parker, Paulos (Tied - 2)
Team FG: 21-54 (38.9%)
Team 3 Pt: 7-19 (36.8%)
Team FT: 13-20 (65.0%)
Rebounds: 23
Turnovers: 19
La Tech Stats
Leader Points: Hamilton (26)
Leader Rebounds: Kyser (6)
Leader Assists: Appleby (7)
Team FG: 36-57 (63.2%)
Team 3 Pt: 14-25 (56.0%)
Team FT: 13-16 (81.3%)
Rebounds: 36
Turnovers: 18
Thoughts
Well, that was certainly unpleasant to watch as a Spartan fan. UNCG as buried under a mountain of turnovers and Bulldog 3 pointers. In the second half alone, La Tech missed 8 shots total and only 3 from inside the arc. They made 14 shots behind the arc including a 30 foot alley oop attempt that banked into the basket. That's just how the day went for both teams.
UNCG played a legitimate NCAA at large team and got obliterated. I thought we'd learn more about the team from these 3 days in Florida than in the the first 3 weeks of the season. Well, so far we've learned that the Spartans aren't quite ready to take that big jump up quite yet. Starting tomorrow at noon, we'll get to see if UNCG can rebound from a tough loss. San Diego represents another strong mid-major program and will pose a stern test.
Let's hope we see a solid response. Go Spartans !!!
Scanning the SoCon - Week #4
Scanning the SoCon - Week #4
Power Rankings
1. Elon
2. Western Carolina
3. Davidson
4. UNCG
5. UTC
6. Furman
7. Citadel
8. Ga Southern
9. Samford
10. App State
11. Wofford
Game of the Week
UNCG- LA Tech
Player of the Week
Trey Sumler
The SoCon has not been good. The RPI currently ranks at #33. Why is the SoCon so bad?
I honestly think the SoCon has been better than it appears. RPI and conference rankings are always a little bit screwy this early in the season. Use Davidson as an example ... RealtimeRPI.com lists their loss to Virginia as a "bad loss". Their win against Georgia (currently a 300+ team) is not a good one. By the end of the season, Virginia will be at least a top 40 team and Georgia will be in the top 150. I think when we look again later in the season, the numbers will be quite different. However, this league is going to have to win games against D1 competition. That's not happened frequently so far this season.
What your thoughts on exempt tournaments, both that allow winners to advance in true tournament fashion or like the Las Vegas Invitational with teams playing road games against the best teams and then a tournament against the lesser teams at a location, etc?
I wish that, like the MVC, the SoCon made every team in it's league participate in one of these per year. We all complain about the scheduling of our current teams. These exempt tournaments give our teams a chance to play multiple D1 teams. I know that sometimes these tournaments have predetermined brackets, and I think that's fine too. Those tournaments are trying to sell tickets and get their teams on TV. Selling match ups is what it's all about. As long as our teams get to play in winnable brackets of their own, it seems fine to me.
Power Rankings
1. Elon
2. Western Carolina
3. Davidson
4. UNCG
5. UTC
6. Furman
7. Citadel
8. Ga Southern
9. Samford
10. App State
11. Wofford
Game of the Week
UNCG- LA Tech
Player of the Week
Trey Sumler
The SoCon has not been good. The RPI currently ranks at #33. Why is the SoCon so bad?
I honestly think the SoCon has been better than it appears. RPI and conference rankings are always a little bit screwy this early in the season. Use Davidson as an example ... RealtimeRPI.com lists their loss to Virginia as a "bad loss". Their win against Georgia (currently a 300+ team) is not a good one. By the end of the season, Virginia will be at least a top 40 team and Georgia will be in the top 150. I think when we look again later in the season, the numbers will be quite different. However, this league is going to have to win games against D1 competition. That's not happened frequently so far this season.
What your thoughts on exempt tournaments, both that allow winners to advance in true tournament fashion or like the Las Vegas Invitational with teams playing road games against the best teams and then a tournament against the lesser teams at a location, etc?
I wish that, like the MVC, the SoCon made every team in it's league participate in one of these per year. We all complain about the scheduling of our current teams. These exempt tournaments give our teams a chance to play multiple D1 teams. I know that sometimes these tournaments have predetermined brackets, and I think that's fine too. Those tournaments are trying to sell tickets and get their teams on TV. Selling match ups is what it's all about. As long as our teams get to play in winnable brackets of their own, it seems fine to me.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Gulf Coast Showcase - Day 3
Wagner College (3-2)
Wagner Athletics
Wagner Stats
PPG: 73.7
RPG: 38.3
APG: 14.3
Leader Points: Latif Rivers (16.7)
Leader Rebounds: Orlando Parker (9.0)
Leader Assists: Kenneth Ortiz (5.7)
FG %: 41.0
3 Pt %: 31.3
FT %: 66.7
Stetson University (0-5)
Stetson Athletics
Stetson Stats
PPG: 57.8
RPG: 31.0
APG: 10.8
Leader Points: Aaron Graham (12.2)
Leader Rebounds: Brian Pegg (6.5)
Leader Assists: Kentwan Smith (2.4)
FG %: 40.5
3 Pt %: 30.7
FT %: 65.7
St Bonaventure University (3-1)
St Bonaventure Athletics
St Bonaventure Stats
PPG: 74.8
RPG: 41.5
APG: 14.3
Leader Points: Matthew Wright (15.3)
Leader Rebounds: Youssou Ndoye (9.0)
Leader Assists: Charlon Kloof (4.5)
FG %: 46.7
3 Pt %: 23.3
FT %: 70.1
Southern Illinois University (1-3)
Southern Illinois Athletics
Southern Illinois Stats
PPG: 65.3
RPG: 39.3
APG: 10.3
Leader Points: Desmar Jackson (21.3)
Leader Rebounds: Bronson Verhines (8.3)
Leader Assists: Marcus Fillyaw (2.0)
FG %: 42.5
3 PT %: 25.0
FT %: 61.5
Wagner Athletics
Wagner Stats
PPG: 73.7
RPG: 38.3
APG: 14.3
Leader Points: Latif Rivers (16.7)
Leader Rebounds: Orlando Parker (9.0)
Leader Assists: Kenneth Ortiz (5.7)
FG %: 41.0
3 Pt %: 31.3
FT %: 66.7
Stetson University (0-5)
Stetson Athletics
Stetson Stats
PPG: 57.8
RPG: 31.0
APG: 10.8
Leader Points: Aaron Graham (12.2)
Leader Rebounds: Brian Pegg (6.5)
Leader Assists: Kentwan Smith (2.4)
FG %: 40.5
3 Pt %: 30.7
FT %: 65.7
St Bonaventure University (3-1)
St Bonaventure Athletics
St Bonaventure Stats
PPG: 74.8
RPG: 41.5
APG: 14.3
Leader Points: Matthew Wright (15.3)
Leader Rebounds: Youssou Ndoye (9.0)
Leader Assists: Charlon Kloof (4.5)
FG %: 46.7
3 Pt %: 23.3
FT %: 70.1
Southern Illinois University (1-3)
Southern Illinois Athletics
Southern Illinois Stats
PPG: 65.3
RPG: 39.3
APG: 10.3
Leader Points: Desmar Jackson (21.3)
Leader Rebounds: Bronson Verhines (8.3)
Leader Assists: Marcus Fillyaw (2.0)
FG %: 42.5
3 PT %: 25.0
FT %: 61.5
Gulf Coast Showcase - Day 2
University of Illinois-Chicago (1-3)
UIC Athletics
UIC Stats
PPG: 67.5
RPG: 31.0
APG: 12.5
Leader Points: Marc Brown (18.0)
Leader Rebounds: Jordan Harks (5.3)
Leader Assists: Kelsey Barlow (5.5)
FG %: 42.2
3 Pt %: 37.5
FT %: 62.5
University of San Diego (5-0)
USD Athletics
San Diego Athletics
PPG: 70.3
RPG: 40.4
APG: 11.0
Leader Points: Johnny Dee (16.4)
Leader Rebounds: Dennis Kramer (6.6)
Leader Assists: Christopher Anderson (6.4)
FG %: 49.1
3 Pt %: 30.8
FT %: 66.0
UIC Athletics
UIC Stats
PPG: 67.5
RPG: 31.0
APG: 12.5
Leader Points: Marc Brown (18.0)
Leader Rebounds: Jordan Harks (5.3)
Leader Assists: Kelsey Barlow (5.5)
FG %: 42.2
3 Pt %: 37.5
FT %: 62.5
University of San Diego (5-0)
USD Athletics
San Diego Athletics
PPG: 70.3
RPG: 40.4
APG: 11.0
Leader Points: Johnny Dee (16.4)
Leader Rebounds: Dennis Kramer (6.6)
Leader Assists: Christopher Anderson (6.4)
FG %: 49.1
3 Pt %: 30.8
FT %: 66.0
Louisiana Tech (2-1) vs UNCG (3-1)
When: Monday, November 25 12:00 pm
Where: Germain Arena (7,000)
TV: TBD
La Tech Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Greensboro College (W 92-62) Recap
PPG: 88.8
RPG: 46.5
APG: 17.5
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (19.3)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.5)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (4.8)
FG %: 53.3
3 Pt %: 41.7
FT %: 66.2
La Tech Stats
Last Game: @ Central Arkansas (W 94-57) Recap
PPG: 90.0
RPG: 42.0
APG: 18.0
Leader Points: Raheem Appleby (17.3)
Leader Rebounds: Michale Kyser (6.3)
Leader Assists: Alex Hamilton (6.0)
FG %: 49.2
3 Pt %: 28.6
FT %: 75.0
Where: Germain Arena (7,000)
TV: TBD
La Tech Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Greensboro College (W 92-62) Recap
PPG: 88.8
RPG: 46.5
APG: 17.5
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (19.3)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.5)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (4.8)
FG %: 53.3
3 Pt %: 41.7
FT %: 66.2
La Tech Stats
Last Game: @ Central Arkansas (W 94-57) Recap
PPG: 90.0
RPG: 42.0
APG: 18.0
Leader Points: Raheem Appleby (17.3)
Leader Rebounds: Michale Kyser (6.3)
Leader Assists: Alex Hamilton (6.0)
FG %: 49.2
3 Pt %: 28.6
FT %: 75.0
Thursday, November 21, 2013
4 Factors - Greensboro College
Points Per Possesion
UNCG - 1.15
Greensboro - 0.79
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 64.6
Greensboro - 36.4
TO%
UNCG - 23.9
Greensboro - 14.0
OR %
UNCG - 21.4
Greensboro - 20.3
FT Rate
UNCG - 41.3
Greensboro - 17.5
UNCG - 1.15
Greensboro - 0.79
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 64.6
Greensboro - 36.4
TO%
UNCG - 23.9
Greensboro - 14.0
OR %
UNCG - 21.4
Greensboro - 20.3
FT Rate
UNCG - 41.3
Greensboro - 17.5
Spartans Surge Past Pride
UNCG 92 - Greensboro College 62
UNCG Athletics
Greensboro College Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 40 - Greensboro 32
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Cain (23)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (14)
Leader Assists: Saddler, Parker (Tied - 6)
Team FG: 34-58 (58.6%)
Team 3 Pt: 7-14 (50.0%)
Team FT: 17-24 (70.8%)
Rebounds: 51
Turnovers: 19
Greensboro College Stats
Leader Points: Thomas (15)
Leader Rebounds: Martin, Griffin, Bates (Tied - 5)
Leader Assists: Griffin (4)
Team FG: 21-74 (28.4%)
Team 3 Pt: 12-39 (30.8%)
Team FT: 8-13 (61.5%)
Rebounds: 33
Turnovers: 11
Thoughts
The final score was lopsided. The game itself is a different story. UNCG played pretty solid defense all game long. But 13 first half turnovers allowed the Pride to stick around and only find themselves down 8 at the break. A 9-0 run out of the locker room cleared up any doubt about the outcome. The Spartans continued the trend of shooting the ball well (58.6%) and sharing the ball (23 assists on 34 made field goals). However, only one of UNCG's four primary ball handlers tallied less than 3 turnovers. That's something that will need to be corrected before the Florida trip. The team also came out flat. That's another trend that will need to be corrected.
On the bright side, Jordan Potts saw his first action and hit the ground running scoring 17 points (5-5 3 point shooting). Kyle Cain was an absolute beast notching 23 points and 14 rebounds in only 24 minutes of action. Freshmen Tevon Saddler (15 points, 5 rebounds & 6 assists) and Tyrone Outlaw (13 points) continued their hot starts to the season. Both have been in double figures in all 4 games. The Spartan offense has been very good in all four contests.
Now the real games start. Being 3-1 is a very good beginning for UNCG, but the road is only going to get more difficult. The trip to Florida should tell us a lot more about this team and the direction of the season. I still have high hopes regardless.
Go Spartans !!!
UNCG Athletics
Greensboro College Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 40 - Greensboro 32
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Cain (23)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (14)
Leader Assists: Saddler, Parker (Tied - 6)
Team FG: 34-58 (58.6%)
Team 3 Pt: 7-14 (50.0%)
Team FT: 17-24 (70.8%)
Rebounds: 51
Turnovers: 19
Greensboro College Stats
Leader Points: Thomas (15)
Leader Rebounds: Martin, Griffin, Bates (Tied - 5)
Leader Assists: Griffin (4)
Team FG: 21-74 (28.4%)
Team 3 Pt: 12-39 (30.8%)
Team FT: 8-13 (61.5%)
Rebounds: 33
Turnovers: 11
Thoughts
The final score was lopsided. The game itself is a different story. UNCG played pretty solid defense all game long. But 13 first half turnovers allowed the Pride to stick around and only find themselves down 8 at the break. A 9-0 run out of the locker room cleared up any doubt about the outcome. The Spartans continued the trend of shooting the ball well (58.6%) and sharing the ball (23 assists on 34 made field goals). However, only one of UNCG's four primary ball handlers tallied less than 3 turnovers. That's something that will need to be corrected before the Florida trip. The team also came out flat. That's another trend that will need to be corrected.
On the bright side, Jordan Potts saw his first action and hit the ground running scoring 17 points (5-5 3 point shooting). Kyle Cain was an absolute beast notching 23 points and 14 rebounds in only 24 minutes of action. Freshmen Tevon Saddler (15 points, 5 rebounds & 6 assists) and Tyrone Outlaw (13 points) continued their hot starts to the season. Both have been in double figures in all 4 games. The Spartan offense has been very good in all four contests.
Now the real games start. Being 3-1 is a very good beginning for UNCG, but the road is only going to get more difficult. The trip to Florida should tell us a lot more about this team and the direction of the season. I still have high hopes regardless.
Go Spartans !!!
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Greensboro College (2-1) @ UNCG (2-1)
When: Wednesday, November 20 7:00 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
Greensboro College Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Chowan (W 97-58) Recap
PPG: 87.7
RPG: 45.0
APG: 15.7
Leader Points: Tevon Saddler (19.7)
Leader Rebounds: Tyrone Outlaw (7.7)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (4.3)
FG %: 51.5
3 Pt %: 39.1
FT %: 65.1
Greensboro College Stats
Last Game: Guilford College ( L 65-77) Recap
PPG: 71.1
RPG: 44.7
APG: 11.7
Leader Points: Damian Dixon (18.7)
Leader Rebounds: Damian Dixon (11.3)
Leader Assists: Will Griffin (2.7)
FG %: 34.3
3 Pt %: 21.3
FT %: 67.1
Thoughts
This is the last tune up for UNCG before things get a bit more stout. The Pride is another non-D1 opponent and a chance for UNCG to continue working through any chemistry issue and get valuable playing time for many of the new guys. After this game, the Spartans will travel to Florida to take on some seasoned mid-major teams (La Tech to start).
As for Greensboro College, they were picked 4th in the preseason of the D3 USA South Conference. The Pride fell to NC A&T by 27 in an exhibition game earlier this season. They are led by Damian Dixon, who was named second team All-State by the NCCSIA. Dixon (G 6'-1 210) is a stout scorer and rebounder from his guard spot. He should present a good challenge to the young UNCG guards.
In the end, this is another game that UNCG should win handily. It also another game where fans should focus more on the team and less on the score. It's time to start really finding a rhythm before heading out on the road.
Go Spartans !!!
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
Greensboro College Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Chowan (W 97-58) Recap
PPG: 87.7
RPG: 45.0
APG: 15.7
Leader Points: Tevon Saddler (19.7)
Leader Rebounds: Tyrone Outlaw (7.7)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (4.3)
FG %: 51.5
3 Pt %: 39.1
FT %: 65.1
Greensboro College Stats
Last Game: Guilford College ( L 65-77) Recap
PPG: 71.1
RPG: 44.7
APG: 11.7
Leader Points: Damian Dixon (18.7)
Leader Rebounds: Damian Dixon (11.3)
Leader Assists: Will Griffin (2.7)
FG %: 34.3
3 Pt %: 21.3
FT %: 67.1
Thoughts
This is the last tune up for UNCG before things get a bit more stout. The Pride is another non-D1 opponent and a chance for UNCG to continue working through any chemistry issue and get valuable playing time for many of the new guys. After this game, the Spartans will travel to Florida to take on some seasoned mid-major teams (La Tech to start).
As for Greensboro College, they were picked 4th in the preseason of the D3 USA South Conference. The Pride fell to NC A&T by 27 in an exhibition game earlier this season. They are led by Damian Dixon, who was named second team All-State by the NCCSIA. Dixon (G 6'-1 210) is a stout scorer and rebounder from his guard spot. He should present a good challenge to the young UNCG guards.
In the end, this is another game that UNCG should win handily. It also another game where fans should focus more on the team and less on the score. It's time to start really finding a rhythm before heading out on the road.
Go Spartans !!!
Monday, November 18, 2013
Scanning the SoCon - Week 3
Scanning the SoCon - Week 3
Power Rankings
1. Elon
2. Western Carolina
3. Samford
4. Davidson
6. UNCG
7. Furman
8. UTC
9. Ga Southern
10. Citadel
11. App State
Game of the Week
Wofford @ High Point
Player of the Week
Stephen Croone (Furman)
Sum up your team
UNCG started out the season by defeating the preseason pick to win the Big South, High Point. G found balanced scoring by putting 4 players in double figures. Forwards Kyle Cain and Kayel Locke led the way with 21 and did a good job matching up with High Point's strong front line. On Tuesday, the Spartans jumped out to a 15 point lead on East Carolina and looked to be on their way to win number two. Unfortunately, a turnover and two somewhat questionable foul calls in the last 30 seconds allowed ECU to escape with an 85-84 victory. In both contests, the young Spartans struggled to put the game away even though they held comfortable leads in the last few minutes. I feel like this could be a re-occurring problem as the season continues. However, the Spartans left fans with hope that this team could really make some strides forward this season. This coming week, UNCG should not be tested as they play non-D1 opponents. Hopefully, these games will give the team a chance to work out some of the chemistry issues and expand their bench.
Signing day has come and gone. Talk about your schools' signees.
UNCG picked up commitments from players that it desperately needed. CJ Coleman is a shooter from Indiana. Right now the Spartans are full of point guards that can get to the rim, but really only have 2 players (Paulos, Byrd) that can be considered pure shooters. Coleman will add another to the mix. Quadree Smith (6'8" 290 lbs) and Lloyd Burgess (6'10" 280 lbs) add more size and depth to a UNCG front line that is starting to look like the strength of the team. Smith is ranked as the #6 player in Virginia and is another DMV area connection that UNCG has tapped into the last few season (Kayel Locke, Tevon Saddler). I'm really starting to get excited about the talent level that Wes Miller is bringing to UNCG. I feel like it's been a definitely upgrade over the past 2 seasons.
With Davidson's loss to UW-Milwaukee and 0-3 start, is there anything wrong with Davidson that experience won't fix?
Davidson has lost to two Top 25 ACC opponents. I don't think anyone could fault them for those losses. The home loss to UWM was the only one that was surprising. In that game, the Wildcats were plagued by an ill-timed case of stagnant offense. Honestly, it's the kind of thing you would expect of a team that is trying to replace the players like Kuhlman, Cochran and Cohen. I don't think that this team will struggle all season, though. By January, I assume that most SoCon teams will not like to see Davidson appear on their schedules.
There are lots of non-D1s on the schedule this year for SoCon teams. What should an ideal SoCon schedule look like?
I know that non-D1's are just a part of life as for a lower level D1 program. These programs need home games, to build in a few wins into their schedule and to develop younger players. It's the same reason that high major programs schedule "guarantee games". If I got make my ideal schedule, it would probably consist of 3 money games, 2-3 low major games (mix of home and away), 1 big name home game, a good mix of home-away mid-majors and an exempt tournament. I think every team should be an exempt tournament every year. Having said that, I know that last minute buy outs put schools in a position where they have to bring in non-D1's from time to time. I'm not a fan of having a bunch on the schedule. If I was forced to schedule in order to fill out a home schedule, though, I would definitely do it.
Power Rankings
1. Elon
2. Western Carolina
3. Samford
4. Davidson
6. UNCG
7. Furman
8. UTC
9. Ga Southern
10. Citadel
11. App State
Game of the Week
Wofford @ High Point
Player of the Week
Stephen Croone (Furman)
Sum up your team
UNCG started out the season by defeating the preseason pick to win the Big South, High Point. G found balanced scoring by putting 4 players in double figures. Forwards Kyle Cain and Kayel Locke led the way with 21 and did a good job matching up with High Point's strong front line. On Tuesday, the Spartans jumped out to a 15 point lead on East Carolina and looked to be on their way to win number two. Unfortunately, a turnover and two somewhat questionable foul calls in the last 30 seconds allowed ECU to escape with an 85-84 victory. In both contests, the young Spartans struggled to put the game away even though they held comfortable leads in the last few minutes. I feel like this could be a re-occurring problem as the season continues. However, the Spartans left fans with hope that this team could really make some strides forward this season. This coming week, UNCG should not be tested as they play non-D1 opponents. Hopefully, these games will give the team a chance to work out some of the chemistry issues and expand their bench.
Signing day has come and gone. Talk about your schools' signees.
UNCG picked up commitments from players that it desperately needed. CJ Coleman is a shooter from Indiana. Right now the Spartans are full of point guards that can get to the rim, but really only have 2 players (Paulos, Byrd) that can be considered pure shooters. Coleman will add another to the mix. Quadree Smith (6'8" 290 lbs) and Lloyd Burgess (6'10" 280 lbs) add more size and depth to a UNCG front line that is starting to look like the strength of the team. Smith is ranked as the #6 player in Virginia and is another DMV area connection that UNCG has tapped into the last few season (Kayel Locke, Tevon Saddler). I'm really starting to get excited about the talent level that Wes Miller is bringing to UNCG. I feel like it's been a definitely upgrade over the past 2 seasons.
With Davidson's loss to UW-Milwaukee and 0-3 start, is there anything wrong with Davidson that experience won't fix?
Davidson has lost to two Top 25 ACC opponents. I don't think anyone could fault them for those losses. The home loss to UWM was the only one that was surprising. In that game, the Wildcats were plagued by an ill-timed case of stagnant offense. Honestly, it's the kind of thing you would expect of a team that is trying to replace the players like Kuhlman, Cochran and Cohen. I don't think that this team will struggle all season, though. By January, I assume that most SoCon teams will not like to see Davidson appear on their schedules.
There are lots of non-D1s on the schedule this year for SoCon teams. What should an ideal SoCon schedule look like?
I know that non-D1's are just a part of life as for a lower level D1 program. These programs need home games, to build in a few wins into their schedule and to develop younger players. It's the same reason that high major programs schedule "guarantee games". If I got make my ideal schedule, it would probably consist of 3 money games, 2-3 low major games (mix of home and away), 1 big name home game, a good mix of home-away mid-majors and an exempt tournament. I think every team should be an exempt tournament every year. Having said that, I know that last minute buy outs put schools in a position where they have to bring in non-D1's from time to time. I'm not a fan of having a bunch on the schedule. If I was forced to schedule in order to fill out a home schedule, though, I would definitely do it.
SoCon Games - Week #3
Monday
Drexel vs. Elon in Piscataway, NJ (Preseason NIT)
The Citadel at Tennessee (Battle 4 Atlantis) (Fox SportSouth)
Samford at UL-Monroe (Roundball Classic)
Tuesday
TBA vs. Elon in Piscataway, NJ (Preseason NIT)(ESPN3*)
Kennesaw State at Chattanooga
Lee-McRae at Appalachian State
* If the opponent is Rutgers.
Wednesday
Greensboro at UNCG (Spartan All-Access)
Thursday
Georgia vs. Davidson in Charleston, SC (Charleston Classic) (ESPNU)
The Citadel at Wake Forest (Battle 4 Atlantis) (ESPN3)
Georgia Southern at West Virginia (Cancun Challenge) (ESPN3)
Western Carolina at Kent State (Coaches vs. Cancer)
Samford at ETSU (Roundball Classic)
Wofford at Minnesota (B1G Ten Network)
Friday
TBA vs. Davidson in Charleston, SC (Charleston Classic) (ESPN Family)
Chattanooga at Nevada (Las Vegas Invitational)
Niagra at Western Carolina (Coaches vs. Cancer)
Appalachian State at North Carolina Central (Global Sports Shootout)
Saturday
Georgia Southern at Old Dominion (Cancun Challenge)
Furman at College of Charleston
USC Upstate vs. Western Carolina in Kent Ohio (Coaches vs. Cancer)
Samford at Western Kentucky (Roundball Classic)
Sunday
TBA vs. Davidson in Charleston, SC (Charleston Classic) (ESPN Family)
Wofford at High Point
Chattanooga at UCLA (Las Vegas Invitational)(Pac-12 Network)
Drexel vs. Elon in Piscataway, NJ (Preseason NIT)
The Citadel at Tennessee (Battle 4 Atlantis) (Fox SportSouth)
Samford at UL-Monroe (Roundball Classic)
Tuesday
TBA vs. Elon in Piscataway, NJ (Preseason NIT)(ESPN3*)
Kennesaw State at Chattanooga
Lee-McRae at Appalachian State
* If the opponent is Rutgers.
Wednesday
Greensboro at UNCG (Spartan All-Access)
Thursday
Georgia vs. Davidson in Charleston, SC (Charleston Classic) (ESPNU)
The Citadel at Wake Forest (Battle 4 Atlantis) (ESPN3)
Georgia Southern at West Virginia (Cancun Challenge) (ESPN3)
Western Carolina at Kent State (Coaches vs. Cancer)
Samford at ETSU (Roundball Classic)
Wofford at Minnesota (B1G Ten Network)
Friday
TBA vs. Davidson in Charleston, SC (Charleston Classic) (ESPN Family)
Chattanooga at Nevada (Las Vegas Invitational)
Niagra at Western Carolina (Coaches vs. Cancer)
Appalachian State at North Carolina Central (Global Sports Shootout)
Saturday
Georgia Southern at Old Dominion (Cancun Challenge)
Furman at College of Charleston
USC Upstate vs. Western Carolina in Kent Ohio (Coaches vs. Cancer)
Samford at Western Kentucky (Roundball Classic)
Sunday
TBA vs. Davidson in Charleston, SC (Charleston Classic) (ESPN Family)
Wofford at High Point
Chattanooga at UCLA (Las Vegas Invitational)(Pac-12 Network)
Sunday, November 17, 2013
4 Factors - Chowan
Points Per Possesion
UNCG - 1.39
Chowan - 0.84
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 62.6
Chowan - 43.1
TO %
UNCG - 11.5
Chowan - 15.6
OR %
UNCG - 42.1
Chowan - 7.4
FT Rate
UNCG - 49.2
Chowan - 18.9
UNCG - 1.39
Chowan - 0.84
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 62.6
Chowan - 43.1
TO %
UNCG - 11.5
Chowan - 15.6
OR %
UNCG - 42.1
Chowan - 7.4
FT Rate
UNCG - 49.2
Chowan - 18.9
Spartans Throttle Hawks
UNCG 97 - Chowan 58
UNCG Athletics
Chowan Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 49 - Chowan 25
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Cain (17)
Leader Rebounds: White (11)
Leader Assist: Parker (7)
Team FG: 36-63 (57.1%)
Team 3 Pt: 7-17 (41.2%)
Team FT: 18-31 (58.1%)
Rebounds: 50
Turnovers: 8
Chowan Stats
Leader Points: Powers (15)
Leader Rebounds: Powers (7)
Leader Assists: Brown, Smith (Tied - 3)
Team FG: 21-58 (36.2%)
Team 3 Pt: 8-27 (29.6%)
Team FT: 8-11 (72.7%)
Rebounds: 22
Turnovers: 11
Thoughts
This game went about as well as could be expected. A lot of guys played and played well. After watching 3 games live, I've been very impressed with a few Spartan players. Cain, Locke and Saddler are getting a lot of headlines (and rightfully so). But I have really enjoyed watching Tyrone Outlaw. He always seems to be around the ball and makes the little plays that can help the team win.
Tonight it was good to see guys like RJ White, Jordy Kuiper and Clay Byrd get extended minutes. All three guys made some nice plays and had their moments.The story of the game was again the UNCG point guards repeatedly attacking the basket. Tevon Saddler, Drew Parker and Diante Baldwin drove the ball into the defense play after play and set up their teammates while getting Chowan the commit fouls.
If there was a black eye tonight, it was the 18-31 free throw shooting for UNCG. Over the first 3 games, UNCG has been to the line a lot. They need to start converting at a better percentage.
All-in-all it was a good performance. I look for a similar performance on Wednesday.
Go Spartans !!!
UNCG Athletics
Chowan Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 49 - Chowan 25
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Cain (17)
Leader Rebounds: White (11)
Leader Assist: Parker (7)
Team FG: 36-63 (57.1%)
Team 3 Pt: 7-17 (41.2%)
Team FT: 18-31 (58.1%)
Rebounds: 50
Turnovers: 8
Chowan Stats
Leader Points: Powers (15)
Leader Rebounds: Powers (7)
Leader Assists: Brown, Smith (Tied - 3)
Team FG: 21-58 (36.2%)
Team 3 Pt: 8-27 (29.6%)
Team FT: 8-11 (72.7%)
Rebounds: 22
Turnovers: 11
Thoughts
This game went about as well as could be expected. A lot of guys played and played well. After watching 3 games live, I've been very impressed with a few Spartan players. Cain, Locke and Saddler are getting a lot of headlines (and rightfully so). But I have really enjoyed watching Tyrone Outlaw. He always seems to be around the ball and makes the little plays that can help the team win.
Tonight it was good to see guys like RJ White, Jordy Kuiper and Clay Byrd get extended minutes. All three guys made some nice plays and had their moments.The story of the game was again the UNCG point guards repeatedly attacking the basket. Tevon Saddler, Drew Parker and Diante Baldwin drove the ball into the defense play after play and set up their teammates while getting Chowan the commit fouls.
If there was a black eye tonight, it was the 18-31 free throw shooting for UNCG. Over the first 3 games, UNCG has been to the line a lot. They need to start converting at a better percentage.
All-in-all it was a good performance. I look for a similar performance on Wednesday.
Go Spartans !!!
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Chowan (0-1) @ UNCG (1-1)
When: Sunday, November 17 2:00 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
Chowan Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: East Carolina (L 84-85) Recap
PPG: 83.0
RPG: 42.5
APG: 13.0
Leader Points: Tevon Saddler (22.0)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain, Kayel Locke (Tied - 8.0)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (4.5)
FG %: 48.1
3 Pt %: 37.9
FT %: 68.0
Chowan Stats
Last Game: Apprentive School (L 91-97 OT) Recap
PPG: 91.0
RPG: 55.0
APG: 20.0
Leader Points: Ashante Ross (20.0)
Leader Rebounds: Phoenix Bulter-Poole (15.0)
Leader Assists: Tiron Brown (7.0)
FG %: 35.5
3 Pt %: 35.6
FT %: 70.0
Thoughts
The Spartans are playing a team that East Carolina beat by 50 on Thursday. The same ECU team that I thought UNCG should have defeated on Tuesday. Does that mean UNCG should win by 50 too? Not really. I just am saying that I expect UNCG to win easily.
I'm looking for UNCG to get off to another good start and get some separation from the Hawks early and to have this one wrapped up by halftime. I'm also interested to see how this team responds to a tough loss on Tuesday. The Greensboro Coliseum has had bigger crowds and energy for the first two game. Sunday afternoon will have a different feel. An early afternoon start against a non-D1 opponent will keep most fans away. The Spartans will have to make their own energy in this one. It should be fun to see how well they handle it.
Go Spartans !!!
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
Chowan Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: East Carolina (L 84-85) Recap
PPG: 83.0
RPG: 42.5
APG: 13.0
Leader Points: Tevon Saddler (22.0)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain, Kayel Locke (Tied - 8.0)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (4.5)
FG %: 48.1
3 Pt %: 37.9
FT %: 68.0
Chowan Stats
Last Game: Apprentive School (L 91-97 OT) Recap
PPG: 91.0
RPG: 55.0
APG: 20.0
Leader Points: Ashante Ross (20.0)
Leader Rebounds: Phoenix Bulter-Poole (15.0)
Leader Assists: Tiron Brown (7.0)
FG %: 35.5
3 Pt %: 35.6
FT %: 70.0
Thoughts
The Spartans are playing a team that East Carolina beat by 50 on Thursday. The same ECU team that I thought UNCG should have defeated on Tuesday. Does that mean UNCG should win by 50 too? Not really. I just am saying that I expect UNCG to win easily.
I'm looking for UNCG to get off to another good start and get some separation from the Hawks early and to have this one wrapped up by halftime. I'm also interested to see how this team responds to a tough loss on Tuesday. The Greensboro Coliseum has had bigger crowds and energy for the first two game. Sunday afternoon will have a different feel. An early afternoon start against a non-D1 opponent will keep most fans away. The Spartans will have to make their own energy in this one. It should be fun to see how well they handle it.
Go Spartans !!!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
New Rules Thoughts
After watching 2 games live, I can plainly see a trend that I don't like in college basketball. Everyone predicted it in the preseason and talked at length about it. The problem is these new foul rules and the chaos it is creating.
Tuesday night saw a combined 49 fouls called and 63 free throws shot. Opening night against High Point, there were 48 fouls called and 67 free throws shot. Both games slowed to a crawl b/c the teams had to go into a zone defense in order to protect players with multiple fouls. I've heard the idea was to make the game flow better, but both games lasted well over 2 hours. Both games were slow and got completely ugly at times. Teams and the fans from both sides were irritated and upset with how these games are being called.
Now let me say this first ... I don't blame the referees for this problem. Yes, I think they missed 2 calls at the end of the ECU game. However, they were calling a ridiculously tight game from the beginning. Teams needed to adjust. Otherwise, the refs are just doing as they have been instructed. They are supposed to call almost every touch foul and clean the game up. As a result, cleaning the game up has turned into a long free throw shooting contest where the officials are playing a much bigger part of the game than ever before.
I really believe the NCAA is trying to turn the college game into something that is played like the NBA. While I'm not a huge fan of the NBA, I do think there is some merit to the change. Those games do play a lot cleaner and the offenses are a lot of fun to watch. The problem with trying to carry this down to college is that the rules (among other things) don't match.
In the NBA, players get 6 fouls, not 5 before fouling out. The NBA doesn't have the traditional 1-and-1. Their bonus free throws are 2 shots and start after at the 5th foul of each quarter. Also, NBA teams have large benches and play at least 12-13 guys each game. These teams are built around these rules.
To try to implement new rules (or enforcement) into the college game without modifying other things seems silly. I don't mind the idea of officials calling a tight game and enforcing the rules as they have been directed. I just think it's time to look other things too. Should we be giving players an extra foul before fouling out? Should the bonus start with 8 team fouls or even 9? I'm not sure what should be done, but it's obvious that there needs to be more tweaking to them.
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let me know.
Tuesday night saw a combined 49 fouls called and 63 free throws shot. Opening night against High Point, there were 48 fouls called and 67 free throws shot. Both games slowed to a crawl b/c the teams had to go into a zone defense in order to protect players with multiple fouls. I've heard the idea was to make the game flow better, but both games lasted well over 2 hours. Both games were slow and got completely ugly at times. Teams and the fans from both sides were irritated and upset with how these games are being called.
Now let me say this first ... I don't blame the referees for this problem. Yes, I think they missed 2 calls at the end of the ECU game. However, they were calling a ridiculously tight game from the beginning. Teams needed to adjust. Otherwise, the refs are just doing as they have been instructed. They are supposed to call almost every touch foul and clean the game up. As a result, cleaning the game up has turned into a long free throw shooting contest where the officials are playing a much bigger part of the game than ever before.
I really believe the NCAA is trying to turn the college game into something that is played like the NBA. While I'm not a huge fan of the NBA, I do think there is some merit to the change. Those games do play a lot cleaner and the offenses are a lot of fun to watch. The problem with trying to carry this down to college is that the rules (among other things) don't match.
In the NBA, players get 6 fouls, not 5 before fouling out. The NBA doesn't have the traditional 1-and-1. Their bonus free throws are 2 shots and start after at the 5th foul of each quarter. Also, NBA teams have large benches and play at least 12-13 guys each game. These teams are built around these rules.
To try to implement new rules (or enforcement) into the college game without modifying other things seems silly. I don't mind the idea of officials calling a tight game and enforcing the rules as they have been directed. I just think it's time to look other things too. Should we be giving players an extra foul before fouling out? Should the bonus start with 8 team fouls or even 9? I'm not sure what should be done, but it's obvious that there needs to be more tweaking to them.
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let me know.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
4 Factors ECU
Points Per Possession
UNCG - 1.12
ECU - 1.09
4 factors
eFG%
UNCG - 55.7
ECU - 44.7
TO%
UNCG - 25.4
ECU - 11.6
OR%
UNCG - 29.5
ECU - 21.8
FT Rate
UNCG - 67.3
ECU - 41.7
UNCG - 1.12
ECU - 1.09
4 factors
eFG%
UNCG - 55.7
ECU - 44.7
TO%
UNCG - 25.4
ECU - 11.6
OR%
UNCG - 29.5
ECU - 21.8
FT Rate
UNCG - 67.3
ECU - 41.7
Spartan Drop Heartbreaker to Pirates
UNCG 84 - ECU 85
UNCG Atheltics
ECU Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 40 - ECU 30
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Saddler (34)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (9)
Leader Assists: Saddler (5)
Team FG: 26-52 (50.0%)
Team 3 Pt: 6-12 (50.0%)
Team FT: 26-35 (74.3%)
Rebounds: 43
Turnovers: 19
East Carolina Stats
Leader Points: Richmond (19)
Leader Rebounds: Zangari, Stith, Campbell, White (Tied - 5)
Leader Assists: Roberts-Campbell (3)
Team FG: 27-67 (40.3%)
Team 3 Pt: 6-21 (28.6%)
Team FT: 25-28 (89.3%)
Rebounds: 31
Turnovers: 9
Thoughts
Does anyone wonder why the stats above look like a UNCG win? That's because that is what is was (or should have been). In all honesty, this game shouldn't have been in position to end the way that it ended. The Spartans controlled this one throughout. It was 2 silly fouls and one turnover at the end that helped down UNCG. Were the last 2 calls actually fouls? I have my opinions. However, the refs called anything and everything close a foul. You've got to know that's the case and adjust.
On a positive note, I'm not sure there are many teams on the schedule that can play UNCG man-to-man straight up for a whole game and not pay for it badly. The Spartans jumped out to a 20-7 lead early and by the second half had forced ECU into playing zone. Partially this was due to foul trouble. However, it was also due to the fact that they were not able to contain UNCG in the man-to-man. Tevon Saddler and Tyrone Outlaw continue to impress as freshmen. The big guys needs to do a better job of staying out of foul trouble, but Kyle Cain was again impressive. It was also nice to Nicholas Paulos's shoot with confidence.
This is a tough game to swallow. But there's nothing anyone can do to change it. It'll go down in the books as 85-84 ECU. Got to just enjoy the positives and hope this doesn't hurt the team emotionally. They have time to recover.
Go Spartans !!!
UNCG Atheltics
ECU Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 40 - ECU 30
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Saddler (34)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (9)
Leader Assists: Saddler (5)
Team FG: 26-52 (50.0%)
Team 3 Pt: 6-12 (50.0%)
Team FT: 26-35 (74.3%)
Rebounds: 43
Turnovers: 19
East Carolina Stats
Leader Points: Richmond (19)
Leader Rebounds: Zangari, Stith, Campbell, White (Tied - 5)
Leader Assists: Roberts-Campbell (3)
Team FG: 27-67 (40.3%)
Team 3 Pt: 6-21 (28.6%)
Team FT: 25-28 (89.3%)
Rebounds: 31
Turnovers: 9
Thoughts
Does anyone wonder why the stats above look like a UNCG win? That's because that is what is was (or should have been). In all honesty, this game shouldn't have been in position to end the way that it ended. The Spartans controlled this one throughout. It was 2 silly fouls and one turnover at the end that helped down UNCG. Were the last 2 calls actually fouls? I have my opinions. However, the refs called anything and everything close a foul. You've got to know that's the case and adjust.
On a positive note, I'm not sure there are many teams on the schedule that can play UNCG man-to-man straight up for a whole game and not pay for it badly. The Spartans jumped out to a 20-7 lead early and by the second half had forced ECU into playing zone. Partially this was due to foul trouble. However, it was also due to the fact that they were not able to contain UNCG in the man-to-man. Tevon Saddler and Tyrone Outlaw continue to impress as freshmen. The big guys needs to do a better job of staying out of foul trouble, but Kyle Cain was again impressive. It was also nice to Nicholas Paulos's shoot with confidence.
This is a tough game to swallow. But there's nothing anyone can do to change it. It'll go down in the books as 85-84 ECU. Got to just enjoy the positives and hope this doesn't hurt the team emotionally. They have time to recover.
Go Spartans !!!
Monday, November 11, 2013
4 Factors - High Point
Points Per Possession
UNCG - 1.12
High Point - 0.98
4 Factors
eFG %
UNCG - 46.4
High Point - 43.5
TO %
UNCG - 13.6
High Point - 14.7
OR %
UNCG - 24.0
High Point - 20.7
FT Rate
UNCG - 71.4
High Point - 43.5
4 Factors - Explanation
Okay, truth time ... I am aware that points per game, rebounds per game, field goal percentages, etc are very out dated stats, They tell you very little about your team or opponent. I am simply a lazy guy. It's very easy to pick up a box score and copy down the information.
There. I said it.
Now it's time to fix it. It's time to start listing something known as the "4 factors". The four factors are something that Ken Pomeroy has been promoting based on Dean Oliver's four factors concept. In a nutshell, these four stats give you a much better idea of how good or bad your team is when compared to every other team equally. I'll try to give you an insight into each. But before I start let's talk about offensive efficiency and points per possession.
Points Per Possession
Simply listing points scored per game by each team is an awful stat. Look at it this way. VMI is a super fast tempo team that isn't known to be a good shooting team. Wisconsin is a slow tempo team that usually shoots a better percentage. If I simply list WMI as scoring 83.2 (made up) ppg versus Wisconsin scoring 56.5 (also made up) points per game and compare them, you could say VMI is the better offensive team. But is that true?
Points per possession balances out the tempo a team plays in order to be able to compare them better. It divides the points scored by the number of possessions in a game (FG attempts - offensive rebounds + turnovers + .475 * FT attempts). Thus you are able to compare the offensive ability of Wisconsin and VMI and equal footing even though each team runs a different tempo.
By the way, think of the average as about 1.01-1.02 points per possession. Anything above that is pretty good. if your defense give up that or better, it's not so good.
Now let's move on to the real stuff ...
Four Factors
Efficiency FG Percentage (eFG %)
FG made + 0.5 * 3 pointers made / FG attempts
With some teams taking as many as a 1/3rd of their shots behind the arc, this stat is basically shooting percentage stat for the modern day game of basketball. It gives extra credit for made 3 point shots. Think of 47%-49% as about the national average.
Turnover Rate (TO%)
Turnovers / Possessions
This one is pretty simply to see an explain. 20 turnovers hurt a team that averages 65 possessions a game a lot more than one that averages 85 possessions a game. National average here is about 22%.
Offensive Rebounding Percentage (OR %)
Offensive rebounds / (offensive rebounds + opponent defensive rebounds)
"How well do you do at rebounding your misses" is the name of this stat. Saying you had 10 offensive rebounds means nothing when you only rebound 10% of your team's missed shots. National average is about 30%.
Free Throw Rate
FT attempted / FG attempted
The aggressive stat. How often do you get to the free throw line? Are you content to just take jump shots and not attack the basket? National average is around 35.
I will try to post these 4 factors sometime in the post-game reports. I'm still lazy and will continue to use the other stuff I normally use as well. I'll just throw these in too. Special thanks to this post at Midwest Sports Fan for making things even clearer for me.
There. I said it.
Now it's time to fix it. It's time to start listing something known as the "4 factors". The four factors are something that Ken Pomeroy has been promoting based on Dean Oliver's four factors concept. In a nutshell, these four stats give you a much better idea of how good or bad your team is when compared to every other team equally. I'll try to give you an insight into each. But before I start let's talk about offensive efficiency and points per possession.
Points Per Possession
Simply listing points scored per game by each team is an awful stat. Look at it this way. VMI is a super fast tempo team that isn't known to be a good shooting team. Wisconsin is a slow tempo team that usually shoots a better percentage. If I simply list WMI as scoring 83.2 (made up) ppg versus Wisconsin scoring 56.5 (also made up) points per game and compare them, you could say VMI is the better offensive team. But is that true?
Points per possession balances out the tempo a team plays in order to be able to compare them better. It divides the points scored by the number of possessions in a game (FG attempts - offensive rebounds + turnovers + .475 * FT attempts). Thus you are able to compare the offensive ability of Wisconsin and VMI and equal footing even though each team runs a different tempo.
By the way, think of the average as about 1.01-1.02 points per possession. Anything above that is pretty good. if your defense give up that or better, it's not so good.
Now let's move on to the real stuff ...
Four Factors
Efficiency FG Percentage (eFG %)
FG made + 0.5 * 3 pointers made / FG attempts
With some teams taking as many as a 1/3rd of their shots behind the arc, this stat is basically shooting percentage stat for the modern day game of basketball. It gives extra credit for made 3 point shots. Think of 47%-49% as about the national average.
Turnover Rate (TO%)
Turnovers / Possessions
This one is pretty simply to see an explain. 20 turnovers hurt a team that averages 65 possessions a game a lot more than one that averages 85 possessions a game. National average here is about 22%.
Offensive Rebounding Percentage (OR %)
Offensive rebounds / (offensive rebounds + opponent defensive rebounds)
"How well do you do at rebounding your misses" is the name of this stat. Saying you had 10 offensive rebounds means nothing when you only rebound 10% of your team's missed shots. National average is about 30%.
Free Throw Rate
FT attempted / FG attempted
The aggressive stat. How often do you get to the free throw line? Are you content to just take jump shots and not attack the basket? National average is around 35.
I will try to post these 4 factors sometime in the post-game reports. I'm still lazy and will continue to use the other stuff I normally use as well. I'll just throw these in too. Special thanks to this post at Midwest Sports Fan for making things even clearer for me.
East Carolina (1-0) @ UNCG (1-0)
When: Tuesday, November 12 7:00 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
East Carolina Atheltics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: High Point (W 82-74) Recap
PPG: 82.0
RPG: 42.0
APG: 12.0
Leader Points: Locke, Cain (Tied - 21.0)
Leader Rebounds: Locke, Outlaw (Tied - 9.0)
Leader Assists: Saddler (4.0)
FG %: 46.4
3 Pt %: 29.4
FT %: 62.5
East Carolina Stats
Last Game: NC Wesleyan (W 97-51) Recap
PPG: 97.0
RPG: 50.0
APG: 26.0
Leader Points: Paris Roberts-Campbell (21.0)
Leader Rebounds: Marshall Guilmette (11.0)
Leader Assists: Antonio Robinson (6.0)
FG %: 56.7
3 Pt %: 41.7
FT %: 50.0
Thoughts
As this season gets underway, UNCG and East Carolina find themselves in very similar situations. The pirates and Spartans both lost almost all returning contributors from 2012-2013. ECU's leadership and experience last season led them to win the CollegeInsider.com Tournament (CIT) Championship. From that team, only one starter remains. So as much as UNCG was a mystery going into this season, so are the Pirates.
The Pirates do return 2 good guards in Paris Roberts-Campbell and Akeem Richmond and got good play from 2 freshmen (Caleb White and Brandan Stith) in their opener against NC Wesleyan. However, it hard to take a lot away from a game against a lower level team at home. Due to the large point difference, 11 ECU players played at least 8 minutes in the game.
East Carolina did manage to bring in several transfers, but all are ineligible to play this season (their last in C-USA). Next season, the Pirates move into the AAC full time. I think they are trying to be more prepared for that jump next season. So, this is just a very long way of saying that I honestly have no idea what to expect out of the Pirates. In their first game, they took 1/3 of their shots behind the arc and shared and rebounded the ball well. They didn't shoot free throws well and didn't get to the line as often as I would have expected.
For their parts, UNCG needs to bring that same attitude and excitement back to the court that they showed on Friday. The Spartans started fast and really never looked back. I would love to see that same thing again on Tuesday. Both of these teams are young and inexperienced. Both will be somewhat fragile emotionally. High Point was an older team that didn't go down when UNCG hit them hard. ECU might, though. Or it could be the other way around? UNCG hasn't faced any adversity so far. How will they handle it if it comes from the Pirates? I guess we will all find out soon enough.
Go Spartans !!!
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
East Carolina Atheltics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: High Point (W 82-74) Recap
PPG: 82.0
RPG: 42.0
APG: 12.0
Leader Points: Locke, Cain (Tied - 21.0)
Leader Rebounds: Locke, Outlaw (Tied - 9.0)
Leader Assists: Saddler (4.0)
FG %: 46.4
3 Pt %: 29.4
FT %: 62.5
East Carolina Stats
Last Game: NC Wesleyan (W 97-51) Recap
PPG: 97.0
RPG: 50.0
APG: 26.0
Leader Points: Paris Roberts-Campbell (21.0)
Leader Rebounds: Marshall Guilmette (11.0)
Leader Assists: Antonio Robinson (6.0)
FG %: 56.7
3 Pt %: 41.7
FT %: 50.0
Thoughts
As this season gets underway, UNCG and East Carolina find themselves in very similar situations. The pirates and Spartans both lost almost all returning contributors from 2012-2013. ECU's leadership and experience last season led them to win the CollegeInsider.com Tournament (CIT) Championship. From that team, only one starter remains. So as much as UNCG was a mystery going into this season, so are the Pirates.
The Pirates do return 2 good guards in Paris Roberts-Campbell and Akeem Richmond and got good play from 2 freshmen (Caleb White and Brandan Stith) in their opener against NC Wesleyan. However, it hard to take a lot away from a game against a lower level team at home. Due to the large point difference, 11 ECU players played at least 8 minutes in the game.
East Carolina did manage to bring in several transfers, but all are ineligible to play this season (their last in C-USA). Next season, the Pirates move into the AAC full time. I think they are trying to be more prepared for that jump next season. So, this is just a very long way of saying that I honestly have no idea what to expect out of the Pirates. In their first game, they took 1/3 of their shots behind the arc and shared and rebounded the ball well. They didn't shoot free throws well and didn't get to the line as often as I would have expected.
For their parts, UNCG needs to bring that same attitude and excitement back to the court that they showed on Friday. The Spartans started fast and really never looked back. I would love to see that same thing again on Tuesday. Both of these teams are young and inexperienced. Both will be somewhat fragile emotionally. High Point was an older team that didn't go down when UNCG hit them hard. ECU might, though. Or it could be the other way around? UNCG hasn't faced any adversity so far. How will they handle it if it comes from the Pirates? I guess we will all find out soon enough.
Go Spartans !!!
SoCon Games - Week #2
I going to start posting all of the upcoming games for SoCon teams on Monday mornings. I'll aslso post TV/Internet listings in case you want to try to catch some of ther games.
Monday
Georgia Southern at Miami, FL (ESPN3)
Chattanooga at Radford (Big South Network)
Wisconsin-Milwaukee at Davidson (ESPN3)
Emory & Henry at Wofford
UNC-Asheville at Western Carolina
Tuesday
East Carolina at UNCG (Spartan All-Access)
Gardner-Webb at Furman
Campbell at Appalachian State
Presbyterian at The Citadel
Samford at Texas-Arlington
Wednesday
Western Carolina at Oregon (Pac-12 Network)
Friday
Elon at UNC-Charlotte
Florida Gulf Coast at Furman (CSS)
Western Carolina at Virginia Tech (ESPN3)
Samford at Indiana (Big Ten Network)
Saturday
Virginia vs. Davidson in Charlotte
Wofford at Iona
Appalachian State at Cincinnati (Fox Sports)
Montreat at Chattanooga
North Greenville College at The Citadel
Western Carolina at Liberty
Toccoa Falls at Georgia Southern
Sunday
Chowan at UNCG (Spartan All-Access)
Monday
Georgia Southern at Miami, FL (ESPN3)
Chattanooga at Radford (Big South Network)
Wisconsin-Milwaukee at Davidson (ESPN3)
Emory & Henry at Wofford
UNC-Asheville at Western Carolina
Tuesday
East Carolina at UNCG (Spartan All-Access)
Gardner-Webb at Furman
Campbell at Appalachian State
Presbyterian at The Citadel
Samford at Texas-Arlington
Wednesday
Western Carolina at Oregon (Pac-12 Network)
Friday
Elon at UNC-Charlotte
Florida Gulf Coast at Furman (CSS)
Western Carolina at Virginia Tech (ESPN3)
Samford at Indiana (Big Ten Network)
Saturday
Virginia vs. Davidson in Charlotte
Wofford at Iona
Appalachian State at Cincinnati (Fox Sports)
Montreat at Chattanooga
North Greenville College at The Citadel
Western Carolina at Liberty
Toccoa Falls at Georgia Southern
Sunday
Chowan at UNCG (Spartan All-Access)
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