Bulldogs Turn Back Spartans

UNCG 71 - Samford 75

UNCG Athletics
Samford Athletics

Halftime: UNCG 31 - Samford 45

UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (22)
Leader Rebounds: Trevis Simpson (4)
Leader Assists: Derrell Armstrong (6)
Team FG: 26-48 (54.2%)
Team 3 Pt: 7-16 (43.8%)
Team FT: 12-20 (60.0%)
Rebounds: 22
Turnovers: 14

Samford Stats
Leader Points: Raijon Kelly (25)
Leader Rebounds: Conner Miller (7)
Leader Assists: Raijon Kelly (6)
Team FG: 26-49 (53.1%)
Team 3 Pt: 9-19 (47.4%)
Team FT: 14-20 (70.0%)
Rebounds: 30
Turnovers: 15

Thoughts
Samford built a commanding 1st half lead of 18 points on the strength of 9 made 3 pointers. Also, UNCG had managed to shoot just 3-10 from the free throw stripe. UNCG also dished out just 4 first half assists. This coming after an amazing assist number on Thursday at Chattanooga. In the second half, UNCG got back to spreading the ball around (11 assists), shot better at the free throw line (9-10) and held Samford without a 3 point basket (0-5). Unfortunately, they couldn't quite climb out of the hole they had dug in the first half. The lead was trimmed all the way down to 1 and a Trevis Simpson 3 point attempt rolled off in UNCG's final possession. Simpson (13 pts), Armstrong (10 pts) and Locke (8 pts) all had big efforts in the final 13 minutes, but Raijon Kelly was the star of the game for the Bulldogs. His final free throws pushed Samford on to the win.

This loss ensures UNCG will be playing on Friday at the SoCon Tournament. The next 3 games for the Spartans are all about seeding and finding some consistency and momentum.

Go Spartans !!!