UNCG Can't Dig Out of Early Hole

UNCG 67 - Chattanooga 77

UNCG Athletics
UTC Atheltics

UNCG 28 - Chattanooga 39

UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Saddler (24)
Leader Rebounds: Saddler, Paulos (Tied - 7)
Leader Assists: Saddler, Potts (Tied - 3)
Team FG: 27-60 (45.0%)
Team 3 Pt: 2-10 (20.0%)
Team FT: 11-19 (57.9%)
Rebounds: 39
Turnovers: 18

Chattanooga Stats
Leader Points: Jones (22)
Leader Rebounds: Stoke (8)
Leader Assists: White (4)
Team FG: 24-51 (47.1%)
Team 3 Pt: 5-21 (23.8%)
Team FT: 24-33 (72.7%)
Rebounds: 33
Turnovers: 12

Thoughts
First off, I think it's time I stop looking at every game Chattanooga plays as the game where I find out if they are "for real". They are indeed for real and Z Mason is a wonderful player. I think they have a real chance to win the SoCon and go to the NCAA Tournament.

Having said that, UNCG let a golden chance slip away from them on Saturday night. The Spartans struggled for the first half. Luckily I wasn't anywhere near a TV and didn't have to watch any if it. When I turned on the TV, I found out that Z Mason had been in foul trouble and that G was down 11 at the break. Really ??? So, to see UNCG not only come back but to take a 3 point lead with around 6 to play, I was impressed. But the Mocs are a good team and they responded well. In the end, you just can't spot a good team a double digit halftime lead on their floor and expect to win the game.

Not much more to say than that. Looking ahead, UNCG has 2 winnable home games this coming week. With the schedule getting tougher as February rolls on, the Spartans need to pick up the next 2 to gain some confidence and momentum. This team is still a work in progress and I think we all need to remember that fact. This team is playing a lot of younger players. the "up's and down's" are just how things work with young teams. With March looming, the only thing that really matters is getting on a roll now. Hopefully, that will start on Thursday night. Go Spartans !!!