Simpson Leads UNCG to Weekend Sweep

UNCG 66 - Samford 64

UNCG Athletics
Samford Athletics

Halftime: UNG 39 - Samford 34

UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (30)
Leader Rebounds: Kayel Locke (9)
Leader Assists: Kelvin McNeil (4)
Team FG: 21-55 (38.2%)
Team 3 Pt: 4-12 (33.3%)
Team FT: 20-29 (69.0%)
Rebounds: 39
Turnovers: 14

Samford Stats
Leader Points: Tim Williams (19)
Leader Rebounds: Tim Williams (9)
Leader Assists: Rajon Kelly (6)
Team FG: 22-55 (40.0%)
Team 3 Pt: 7-22 (31.8%)
Team FT: 13-18 (72.2%)
Rebounds: 35
Turnovers: 13

Thoughts
It was the first time I'd seen UNCG go out and win in a close contest. The Spartans came out and got a couple of big defensive stops against one of the top teams in the North Division. Trevis Simpson absolutely went off in the 2nd half by scoring 22 of UNCG's 27 points. It was an impressive performance by someone who didn't want his to fall in another close game.

UNCG 77 - Chattanooga 69

UNCG Athletics
Chattanooga Athetics

Halftime: UNCG 41 - UTC 31

UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (41)
Leader Rebounds: David Williams (9)
Leader Assists: Jordan Potts (5)
Team FG: 26-64 (40.6%)
Team 3 Pt: 11-29 (37.9%)
Team FT: 14-20 (70.0%)
Rebounds: 39
Turnovers: 12

Chattanooga Stats
Leader Points: Z Mason (18)
Leader Rebounds: Z Mason (11)
Leader Assists: Gee McGhee (6)
Team FG: 22-50 (44.0%)
Team 3 Pt: 6-18 (33.3%)
Team FT: 19-27 (70.4%)
Rebounds: 34
Turnovers: 14

Thoughts
Trevis Simpson and the UNCG 3 point shooting was the story for the first half of this game. Simpson went 6-7 from behind the arc in the first half and then made some spectacular finishes in the second half on the way to tying a school record for single game scoring. But I think the key to this game was David Williams making big steals and getting big rebounds that helped turn back the Mocs 2nd half comeback attempt.

I was a good way to cap off a solid week of basketball by the Spartans. Now they will need to carry the momentum going forward if they want to get back into the SoCon North race.

UNCG-Furman Highlights

2nd Half Swoon Dooms Spartans

UNCG 61 - Furman 69

UNCG Athletics
Furman Athletics

Halftime: UNCG 32 - Furman 22

UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Paulos, Armstrong (Tied - 16)
Leader Rebounds: Kelvin McNeil (7)
Leader Assists: Simpson, Potts (3)
Team FG: 23-63 (36.5%)
Team 3 PT: 4-16 (25.0%)
Team FT: 11-14 (78.6%)
Rebounds: 36
Turnovers: 15

Furman Stats
Leader Points: Bobby Austin (13)
Leader Rebounds: Kendrec Ferrara (12)
Leader Assists: Bobby Austin (3)
Team FG: 21-47 (44.7%)
Team 3 Pt: 8-14 (57.1%)
Team FT: 19-26 (73.1%)
Rebounds: 37
Turnovers: 18

Thoughts
This game was a microcosm of the last few contests. UNCG looked great in the first half only to not bring the same intensity out of the locker room. This is going to have to change in order to salvage this season.

Furman (4-12) @ UNCG (4-12)

When: Sunday January 20 2 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617/23,500)
TV: None/Spartan All-Access

Furman Athletics

UNCG Stats
Last Game: Wofford (W 71-52) Recap
PPG: 73.8
RPG: 37.8
APG: 12.0
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (18.4)
Leader Rebounds: Kelvin McNeil (6.8)
Leader Assists: Drew Parker (3.2)
FG %: 42.3
3 Pt %: 33.1
FT %: 68.1

Furman Stats
Last Game: @ Elon (L 59-73) Recap
PPG: 61.1
RPG: 32.5
APG: 12.3
Leader Points: Colin Reddick (12.3)
Leader Rebounds: Colin Reddick (5.8)
Leader Assists: Stephen Croone (4.3)
FG %: 40.7
3 PT %: 32.3
FT %: 66.4

Thoughts
If UNCG wants to get back into the race for the SoCon North Division, this game that is a must win.  Furman is not a good offensive team. But UNCG will still need to bring the defensive intensity that it took to the court on Wednesday night.

It also will be interesting to see how the Spartans deal with some success. UNCG did a great job of playing on the same page, and bringing energy to the court against Wofford. Now let's see if they can sustain that energy for more than one game.

Go Spartans !!!

UNCG-Wofford Highlights

Spartans Throttle Wofford

UNCG 71 - Wofford 52

UNCG Athletics
Wofford Athletics

Halftime: UNCG 43 - Wofford 30

UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (19)
Leader Rebounds: Derrell Armstrong (9)
Leader Assists: Drew Parker (3)
Team FG: 22-50 (44.0%)
Team 3 Pt: 4-12 (33.3%)
Team FT: 23-31 (74.2%)
Rebounds: 43
Turnovers: 14

Wofford Stats:
Leader Points: Spencer Collins (12)
Leader Rebounds: Justin Gordon (6)
Leader Assists: Swinton, Faithful (Tied - 3)
Team FG: 19-52 (36.5%)
Team 3 Pt: 6-19 (31.6%)
Team FT: 8-13 (61.5%)
Rebounds: 25
Turnovers: 17

Thoughts
Absolutely UNCG's best defensive effort of the season and it showed on the scoreboard big time. I thought that Trevis Simpson really got into playing defense and it rubbed off on all of his teammates  Also, freshman PG Jordan Potts seemed to give the Spartans a spark of energy off the bench.

I also was impressed to see UNCG run a lot of actual offensive actions and find out good shots, not just random 3 pointers. It showed in that the Spartans only took 12 total 3 pointers. Trevis Simpson and Derrell Armstrong got back to doing what they do best, in driving the ball to the basket.

Overall it was just an impressive performance by a team that really needed to have a showing like that at home. I hope now they can build on that success and start a winning streak. Go Spartans !!!

Spartans Have a Rough Mountain Trip

Sorry for the lack of updates. I've been out of town with limited chances to blog. I also Didn't get to see any of the games. So, I will submit the stats without comment.

UNCG 59 - Western Carolina 62

UNCG Athletics
WCU Athletics

UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Derrell Armstrong (25)
Leader Rebounds: David Williams (6)
Leader Assists: Potts, McNeil (Tied - 2)
Team FG: 20-56 (35.7%)
Team 3 Pt: 6-20 (30.0%)
Team FT: 13-22 (59.1%)
Rebounds: 35
Turnovers: 15

Western Carolina Stats
Leader Points: Trey Sumler (17)
Leader Rebounds: James Sinclair (8)
Leader Assists: Trey Sumler (2)
Team FG: 15-47 (31.9%)
Team 3 PT: 1-13 (7.7%)
Team FT: 31-38 (81.6%)
Rebounds: 41
Turnovers: 15

 UNCG 70 - App State 83

UNCG Athletics
App State Athletics

UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (22)
Leader Rebounds: Derrell Armstrong (7)
Leader Assists: Parker, Simpson (Tied - 2)
Team FG: 23-54 (42.6%)
Team 3 PT: 6-19 (31.6%)
Team FT: 18-26 (69.2%)
Rebounds: 34
Turnovers: 14

App State Stats
Leader Points: Nathan Healy (24)
Leader Rebounds: Healy, Canty (Tied - 9)
Leader Assists: Jay Canty (4)
Team FG: 25-57 (43,9%)
Team 3 Pt: 5-15 (33.3%)
Team FT: 28-34 (82.4%)
Rebounds: 35
Turnovers: 9

UNCG - Lees-Mcrae Highlights

Spartans Cruise Past Bobcats

UNCG 86 - Lees-McRae 47

UNCG Athletics
Lees-McRae Athletics

Halftime: UNCG 35 - Lees-McRae 25

UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Nicholas Paulos (26)
Leader Rebounds: Kelvin McNeil (9)
Leader Assists: Parker, Armstrong (Tied - 4)
Team FG: 33-63 (52.4%)
Team 3 Pt: 11-27 (40.7%)
Team FT: 9-16 (56.2%)
Rebounds: 42
Turnovers: 10

Lees-McRae Stats
Leader Points: DJ Brown (15)
Leader Rebounds: Tillman, Sepokas (Tied - 7)
Leader Assists: Young, Sepokas (Tied - 2)
Team FG: 16-54 (29.6%)
Team 3 Pt: 8-24 (33.3%)
Team FT: 7-9 (77.8%)
Rebounds: 32
Turnovers: 21

Thoughts
The Bobcats used a packed in zone to really make the first half slow and ugly. In the second half, Armstrong drove at the defense and Paulos shot over it. It was a very impressive 51 point second half outburst for the Spartans. It was against a winless DII team. So, it was exactly what UNCG was supposed to do against them.

Still, it was a good shooting night where UNCG really seemed interested in sharing the ball. The Spartans had 18 assists on 33 made baskets. Trevis Simpson seemed much more intent on getting the ball in others hands than scoring (6 pts). Also, UNCG seemed very interested on the defensive end. They forced Lees-McRae in 21 turnovers and 29% shooting.

So, it was a feel good night that gave the Spartans a chance to get themselves settled down. Now it's time the SoCon grind. It starts Saturday at Western. Go Spartans !!!

Lees-McRae (0-11) @ UNCG (2-10)

When: Wednesday, January 9 7 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617/23,500)
TV: None/Spartan All-Access

Lees-McRae Athletics

UNCG Stats
Last Game: @ Davidson (L 53-85) Recap
PPG: 74.5
RPG: 37.5
APG: 12.8
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (19.1)
Leader Rebounds: Kelvin McNeil (6.9)
Leader Assists: Drew Parker (3.4)
FG %: 41.8
3 Pt %: 32.6
FT %: 68.8

Lees-Mcrae Stats
Last Game: Mount Olive (L 70-112) Recap
PPG: 71.9
RPG: 37.1
APG: 13.1
Leader Points: Daniel Sepokas (17.6)
Leader Rebounds: Charles Clarke (4.3)
Leader Assists: Daniel Sepokas (4.0)
FG %: 39.2
3 Pt %: 37.4
FT %: 65.5

Thoughts
Okay, this is a winless DII team from Banner Elk, NC. UNCG has been beaten and battered for the last few weeks. It's time to get healthy, get some energy and some confidence. This is a team that UNCG should pound by using whatever style they feel like running. I won't be surprised if they hang around for a while, but this one should not be in doubt by halftime.

What I'm looking for is defensive intensity, good shot selection and a lot of energy. I want to see the Spartans come out mad and ready to take it out on a lesser opponent.

Go Spartans !!!

Wildcats Thoroughly Throttle Spartans

UNCG 53 - Davidson 85

UNCG Athletics
Davidson Athletics

Halftime: UNCG 27 - Davidson 45

UNCG Stats
Leader points: Derrell Armstrong (17)
Leader Rebounds: Simpson, Armstrong (tied - 4)
Leader Assists: Kayel Locke (2)
Team FG: 18-54 (33.3%)
Team 3 Pt: 6-17 (35.3%)
Team FT: 11-16 (68.8%)
Rebounds: 24
Turnovers: 13

Davidson Stats
Leader Points: Jake Cohen (20)
Leader Rebounds: Chris Czerapowicz (10)
Leader Assists: Nik Cochran (4)
Team FG: 27-63 (42.9%)
Team 3 Pt: 8-30 (26.7%)
Team FT: 23-27 (85.2%)
Rebounds: 54
Turnovers: 12

Thoughts
As the stats show, this game was a thorough domination by Davidson in every way possible. UNCG didn't play good defense, fouled a lot and seemed very disinterested on the offensive end at times. They sent a great free throw shooting team to the line a ton of times. Even when UNCG forced a Davidson miss, they allowed the Wildcats to keep rebounding the ball until they finally made a shot. That is reflected in the 30 rebound discrepancy.

Senior Korey Van Dussen broke his wrist in practice and is now out 4-6 weeks. Add that to the fact the RJ White is out for the year and Trevis Simpson still seemed to be tentative on his ankle and UNCG is a team that needs to really do some soul searching to figure out how they want the rest of this season to go forward. The Spartans should at least have a chance to compete in every game from here on out.

Someone on this team is going to have to step up and be a leader. There was an obvious attitude issue on Saturday night without having "glue guy" Van Dussen in the game to help rally the team. Losing is a part of the game, sulking is not. I hope this doesn't turn into that kind of a plunge.

Last season, UNCG pulled itself off the mat after losing to Davidson by 30 and won 7 straight. That type of run is very possible again this season, but it's going to take a much better effort (both mentally and physically) than last night. Plus, this team is going to have to buy into to what the coaches are selling and believing in their team. Hope it happens. Starts on Wednesday night. Go Spartans !!!

UNCG (2-9) @ Davidson (7-6)

When: Saturday, January 5 7 pm
Where: Belk Arena (5,223)
TV: ESPN3

Davidson Athletics

UNCG Athletics
Last Game: @ NC State (L 68-89) Recap
PPG: 76.5
RPG: 38.7
APG: 13.2
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (20.3)
Leader Rebounds: Kelvin McNeil (7.4)
Leader Assists: Drew Parker (3.6)
FG %: 42.4
3 Pt %: 32.4
FT %: 68.8

Davidson Athletics
Last Game: #1 Duke (L 50-67) Recap
PPG: 70.4
RPG: 32.2
APG: 13.4
Leader Points: De'Mon Brooks (14.6)
Leader Rebounds: De'Mon Brooks (6.5)
Leader Assists: JP Kuhlman (3.8)
FG %: 43.4
3 Pt %: 38.1
FT %: 80.2

SoCon Standings (1/3/13)

With SoCon play getting back started this weekend, I thought it was time to take a look and see where everyone stood after the early December conference games.

North
1. Western Carolina (2-0)
2. Samford (1-0)
2. UNCG (1-0)
4. Elon (1-1)
5. Chattanooga (0-1)
5. App State (0-1)

South
1. Davidson (2-0)
2. Charleston (1-0)
3. Wofford (0-1)
3. Citadel (0-1)
3. Furman (0-1)
6. Ga Southern (0-2)

Saturday
- Furman @ Charleston
- Western Carolina @ Citadel
- Chattanooga @ Samford
- UNCG @ Davidson

Wolfpack Surge Past Shorthanded Spartans

UNCG 68 - #23 NC State 89

UNCG Athletics
NC State Athletics

Halftime: UNCG 36 - NC State 43

UNCG Stats
Leader points: Kayel Locke (21)
Leader Rebounds: Kelvin McNeil (10)
Leader Assists: Drew Parker (3)
Team FG: 29-67 (43.3%)
Team 3 Pt: 2-17 (11.8%)
Team FT: 8-13 (61.5%)
Rebounds: 34
Turnovers: 10

NC State Stats
Leader Points: CJ Leslie (21)
Leader Rebounds: Richard Howell (13)
Leader Assists: Lorenzo Brown (9)
Team FG: 32-60 (53.3%)
Team 3 Pt: 8-18 (44.4%)
Team FT: 17-22 (77.3%)
Rebounds: 37
Turnovers: 11

Thoughts
With no Trevis Simpson (sprained ankle - day-to-day) against a team that was absolutely a bad match up for the Spartans, this game had the potential to really get ugly quickly. Instead, the Spartans came together and played their best half of the season. The starters played with a lot of energy and Kayel Locke came in to provide an offensive spark. Even freshman Jordan Potts, who hadn't seen a lot of playing time, came off the bench to make several nice shots.

As I said in my preview, NC State leads the country in FG % and doesn't stray much from their strengths. The Wolfpack feed Leslie and Howell the ball and them work their way to open shots. So, the Spartans needed a huge scoring effort from a lot of people and having the 15th leading scorer in the country not available just left the Spartans with no enough firepower.

However, I've talked in the past few games about how UNCG spent way too much time Simpson watching. Well, not having Simpson forced a lot of different UNCG players to get involved in the game. I think in the long run, this might be a good thing. Go Spartans !!!