Furman Highlights

4 Factors - Furman

Points Per Possesion
UNCG - 1.27
Furman - 1.16

4 Factors

eFG %
UNCG - 63.5
Furman - 56.0

TO %
UNCG - 14.1
Furman - 18.4

OR %
UNCG - 20.5
Furman - 23.0

FT Rate
UNCG - 30.5
Furman - 66.0

UNCG Offense Turns Back Furman

UNCG 90 - Furman 82

UNCG Athletics
Furman Athletics

UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Locke (18)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (6)
Leader Assists: Potts (6)
Team FG: 34-59 (57.6%)
Team 3 Pt: 7-18 (38.9%)
Team FT: 15-18 (83.3%)
Rebounds: 27
Turnovers: 10

Furman Stats
Leader Points: Croone, Ferrara (Tied - 21)
Leader Rebounds: Croone (5)
Leader ASsists: Croone (3)
Team FG: 25-50 (50.0%)
Team 3 Pt: 6-17 (36.3%)
Team FT: 26-33 (78.8%)
Rebounds: 27
Turnovers: 13

Thoughts
I hate to break games down to just one stat. But seriously, if UNCG doesn't turn the ball over it almost always wins. Now inherently from the lack of turnovers comes better offense and better shots. That's what we saw on Monday night. UNCG shot an eFG above 75% in the second half and scored on 15 of 16 possessions to finish the game. Even more importantly, the team stayed together and fought through what I though were some very marginal calls that went the way of Furman.

Now with all of the good on the offensive end, UNCG wasn't particularly good on the defensive side. Croone and Ferrara each scored 21 and at times UNCG couldn't keep Croone in front of them. I thought Jordan Potts did a decent job on Croone. But again, I thought the refs helped bail out Croone on several out of control drives. Ferrara impressed me with some nice post moves and he single handily got all of the Spartan big men in foul trouble.

For UNCG, it was nice to Paulos and Potts make some long range shots and it really seemed to open up lanes for everyone else. It was nice to see Drew Parker and Tevon Saddler pull up hit some smooth mid range jumpers. If Saddler can add that to his skill set, he will be very tough later in the season.

For UNCG it was a much needed SoCon win and a home win to boot. For the Spartans to legitimately have a chance to finish in the top 5 and secure a bye they will need to protect their home court throughout the season. This was a good start. Go Spartans !!!

Furman (6-8) @ UNCG (7-9)

When: Monday, January 6 7:00 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: 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.

Furman Athletics

UNCG Stats
Last Game: @ Western Carolina (L 51-72) Recap
PPG: 70.3
RPG: 37.1
APG: 13.1
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (15.9)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle cain (8.5)
Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.1
FG %: 44.6
3 Pt %: 35.3
FT %: 68.6

Furman Stats
Last Game: hattanooga (L 63-72) Recap
PPG: 67.3
RPG: 32.7
APG: 9.6
Leader Points: Stephen Croone 20.0
Leader Rebounds: Stephen Croone (5.0)
Leader Assists: Stephen Croone (3.6)
FG %: 44.1
3 Pt %: 35.1
FT %: 70.4

Thoughts
After falling flat in their conference debut, we get to see if UNCG can pick themselves up and get back after it. The Spartans played a pretty tough stretch of 3 games in 6 days, including an emotional win at Virginia Tech and a near comeback against NC State. I guess we all should have seen a letdown coming in the way of the Western Carolina game. But it's now been a few days. Hopefully the guys have had a few days to recharge and work on things in practice. It's time to go out and protect the home court and get win #1 in conference.

Furman comes into the Greensboro Coliseum tonight and looks a lot like UNCG. They're not a great offensive team, but have been adequate at times. They do have a bad loss to non-D1 Mint Hill. There are 2 common opponents in Presbyterian (W 74-59) and Virginia Tech (L 75-54). They are led completely by Stephen Croone was is having a great year. Just like Trey Sumler for the last opponent, Croone leads Furman in almost every major category and is super quick with the ball in his hands. He will be a handful for the the UNCG back court to contain.

However, the Paladins should struggle to match up against UNCG's interior players. Look for Kyle Cain, Kayel Locke and RJ White to be huge factors tonight. As I pointed out in my recap of the WCU game, UNCG big men are going to have to do a good job tonight of feeling the double teams coming and finding open players who will need to make shots. Also, it would be nice to see the Spartans do a better job of taking care of the basketball. A turnover number less than 12 would be a good thing.

If UNCG is serious about contending for this league and picking up a bye for the tournament, they really need to have this game. It's a home game against an opponent that they are favored against. It's time to even up the conference record. Go Spartans !!!

Exhibition Results

Exhibition results from future opponents.

SoCon Teams
Lenior-Rhyne 57 - Davidson 108 Recap
North Greenville 61 - Furman 85 Recap
Thomas University 49 - Georgia Southern 88 Recap
Lees-McRae 76 - UNCG 104 Recap
Lynchburg 57 - Elon 100 Recap
Miles College 52 - Samford 90 Recap

OOC Teams
Bridgewater 53 - High Point 96 Recap
Arkansas-Monticello 64 - La Tech 85 Recap
Southern Arkansas 49 - La Tech 100 Recap
UNC-Pembroke 63 - UNC-CH 82 Recap
Caldwell 60 - Rutgers 90 Recap
Philadelphia Univ. 69 - James Madison 73 OT Recap
Brevard 66 - Wake Forest 93 Recap
UNC-Pembroke 85 - NC State 96 Recap
Morehouse 62 - NC State 87 Recap

Preseason Preview: Southern Conference

On the eve of UNCG's first game (exhibition against Lees-McRae), it' time to look at the teams of the Southern Conference. My buddy John over at MocsMania has been doing one preview a day written by all of us that contribute to his "Scanning the SoCon" weekly Q&A series. I have decided that as opposed to doing a cookie cutter preview of the whole SoCon, I would post individual links to each of those previews. I am also going to post the preview that I wrote for UNCG in its entirety. Some of the things that John asked us to look at in our previews were schedules, new players and best/worst case scenarios for our teams.

Appalachian State

There's a solid core of six guys right now (Burgess, Neal, Hamilton, Canty, Baskin and Obacha) who will start and probably will be joined by Kobani and the remaining sixth-man guard is up for grabs to make the eight-man rotation. As far as a season overview, App has a really solid chance to finish high up in this conference. Anything less would be a disappointment.

Chattanooga

The conference schedule features just one game against league favorites, Davidson and Elon. It also features just one game against the bottom two in the preseason polls, Georgia Southern and The Citadel. So the conference schedule basically balances out. There are trips to Furman and The Citadel to open SoCon schedule, and home dates with Samford and Wofford. If everything works out, there is a chance for a really fast start in SoCon play.

The Citadel

Clearly, the increase in non-D1 scheduling is partly about trying to fill out a home schedule as a low-major, with the reduction of the SoCon's league schedule to 16 games probably a factor. I do wonder, though, if the conference is trying to "game" the RPI to a certain extent.

Davidson

NCAA rule changes to protect the ball-handler and help the scoring should benefit the Wildcats. They led the nation in free throw shooting last season at 79.5% and should be excellent free throw shooters again.

Elon

With all five starters returning from last year’s squad, Elon has a terrific opportunity to unseat the two-time defending Southern Conference champion Davidson Wildcats.

Furman

The Paladins are a team that is hard to figure, but they are likely better than UNCG, The Citadel and Georgia Southern on paper heading into the season. Look for Furman to start putting things together come March, and though a conference tournament title might be several years away, I wouldn't be shocked if Furman won a game in Asheville once again this season.

Georgia Southern

The two best players on the roster will be redshirting this year and the best player on the floor hasn’t played a game in 2 years. Most likely all 4 signess will see major minutes this year and outside of Dunnican at 6’8 nobody on the roster is over 6’7.

Samford

The much anticipated return game with Kentucky (2 for 1) did not materialize. Apparently the fine print in the contract said "Kentucky State", not University of Kentucky. The out of conference schedule includes (among others) Indiana, Florida Gulf Coast, ETSU and Marquette away and Austin Peay at home.

Western Carolina

Under ninth year head coach Larry Hunter, the Catamounts return five seniors to this years team – Brandon Boggs (guard), Tawaski King (forward), Josh Mendenhall (forward), Trey Sumler (guard) and Tom Tankelewicz (guard). This group of seniors is expected to provide the veteran leadership that was lacking from last season’s team, void of any seniors.

Wofford

The key for the Terriers will be finding more offensive production. A year ago Karl Cochran took about 40% of the teams shots, and was not a particularly great shooter. They need to find a way to create more open looks for Cochran so that his shooting percentage can go up.

Spartans Pound Furman for First Road Win

UNCG 88 - Furman 65

UNCG Athletics
Furman Athletics

Halftime: UNCG 48 - Furman 26

UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (29)
Leader Rebounds: McNeil, Williams (Tied - 8)
Leader Assists: Armstrong (5)
Team FG: 36-60 (60.0%)
Team 3 Pt: 9-15 (60.0%)
Team FT: 7-15 (46.7%)
Rebounds: 42
Turnovers: 16

Furman Stats
Leader Points: Larry Wideman (18)
Leader Rebounds: Colin Reddick (9)
Leader Assists: David Brown (4)
Team FG: 21-59 (35.6%)
Team 3 Pt: 3-21 (14.3%)
Team FT: 20-29 (69.0%)
Rebounds: 29
Turnovers: 10

Thoughts
This was easily he best game UNCG played all season. They shared the ball (19 team assists), shot it well (60%) and played solid defense. Trevis Simpson continued his extreme tear, while being joined in double figures by 3 other teammates.

This was also UNCG's first road win in a venue that has plagued them over the past several season. Hopefully the team can use this as a jump start to the rest of the weekend (and the season).

Go Spartans !!!

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 !!!

5S Furman (14-15) - 4S Samford (11-18)

When: Friday, March 2 6pm
Where: US Cellular Arena (7,654)
TV: None/SoCon TV

Furman Athletics
Samford Athletics

2/18 Furman 49 @ Samford 55 Recap - Recap

Furman Stats
Last Game: @ Wofford (L 52-67) Recap
PPG: 64.7
RPG: 34.2
APG: 11.1
Leader Points: Brandon Sebirumbi (11.2)
Leader Rebounds: Brandon Sebirumbi (5.5)
Leader Assists: Richard Brown (3.0)
FG %: 41.4
3 Pt %: 33.8
FT %: 72.4

Samford Stats
Last Game: @ Chattanooga (L 78-86) Recap
PPG: 66.1
RPG: 32.3
APG: 14.1
Leader Points: Drew Windler (14.2)
Leader Rebounds: Jeffrey Merritt (6.6)
Leader Assists: Jeffrey Merritt (3.5)
FG %: 44.3
3 Pt %: 34.1
FT %: 65.7

My Pick
I think Samford's ability to spread Furman out and make shots will help in this low scoring game, 56-51. Defense rules in this one.

Paladins Sink Free Throws and UNCG Win Streak

UNCG 85 - Furman 93

News & Record
UNCG Athletics
Furman Athletics

Halftime: UNCG 30 - Furman 39

UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (28)
Leader Rebounds: Derrell armstrong (6)
Leader Assists: Drew Parker (5)
Team FG: 26-62 (41.9%)
Team 3 Pt: 6-21 (28.6%)
Team FT: 27-31 (87.1%)
Rebounds: 40
Turnovers: 18

Furman Stats
Leader Points: Brandon Sebirumbi (20)
Leader Rebounds: Charlie Reddick (6)
Leader Assists: Charlie Reddick (4)
Team FG: 32-51 (45.1%)
Team 3 Pt: 10-19 (52.6%)
Team FT: 37-47 (78.7%)
Rebounds: 32
Turnovers: 15

Thoughts
In a game that had 56 fouls called (2 technicals) and 78 free throws, UNCG had its 7 game winning streak snapped in Greenville. Furman sank over 75% of it's ridiculous 47 free throw attempts, including 24 of 28 to close the game. Even though the Spartans hit 27-31 from the free throw line itself, they were still outscored by 10. The loss drops UNCG to 1-8 at Timmons Arena and 2-4 in road conference games this season.

It was a 9-2 Furman run before halftime that gave Furman the cushion it needed to hold off the Spartans for the entire second half. UNCG cut the lead to under 5 on at least 4 different occasions, but the Paladins had an answer every time. UNCG didn't take care of the ball as well as it has recently and didn't shoot particularly well.

The UNCG loss, coupled with a Elon win at home over the Citadel, dropped the Spartans back down to second place in the North Division by 0.5 games. Samford surprised the South Division's 2nd place team, Wofford, to climb 1.5 games behind Elon. All of this means that next weekend's Bigmingham-Chattanooga swing will be huge for both Elon and UNCG. The Spartans need to regain their swagger quickly.

UNCG (9-14) @ Furman (11-11)

When: Saturday, February 4 3 pm
Where: Timmons Arena (4,000)
TV: SoCon Netowork*/ESPN3
*Viewing Guide

Furman Athletics

Preseason Preview

UNCG Stats
Last Game: Citadel (W 82-71) Recap
PPG: 68.4
RPG: 35.4
APG: 11.7
Leader Points: Trevis Simpson (17.0)
Leader Rebounds: David Williams (5.3)
Leader Assists: Drew Parker (2.5)
FG %: 39.8
3 Pt %: 32.9
FT %: 66.3

Furman Stats
Last Game: Davidson (L 53-71) Recap
PPG: 64.2
RPG: 34.2
APG: 10.9
Leader Points: Brandon Sebirumbi (10.7)
Leader Rebounds: Brandon Sebirumbi (5.5)
LeaderAssists: Richard Brown (3.3)
FG %: 41.3
3 Pt %: 33.5
FT %: 73.6

Thoughts
Well, that little home stand was awful fun for us Spartan fans. But now is where it gets interesting. UNCG finished with 5 of its last 7 games on the road. If UNCG is going to bet a SoCon tournament bye, they are going to have to go out and earn it.

The road to the tournament starts at Timmons Arena in Greenville on Saturday afternoon. It's a place where UNCG sports a sad 1-7 record. The Paladins lost a lot with the graduation of Amu Sakaa and Noah States. However, Furman has rebounded based on aless than steller schedule and the play Brandon Sebirumbi.

Statistically, there's not a lot of difference between Furman and UNCG. The Paladins have been pretty pedestrian at home (2-3) in conference games and the Spartans have been pretty pedestrian on the road (2-3) in conference games.

So, this game looks like a toss-up. Hopefully, UNCG can lean on its winning ways and continue the streak. Go Spartans!!!

SoCon Standings

Just wanted to give a quick update on the SoCon standings as everyone now gets back into conference play.

North
1. Elon (2-0)
Wins: Furman, @ UNCG
1. Western Carolina 2-0
Wins: Samford, UNCG,
3. App State (1-1)
Wins: UNCG
Losses: @ Ga Southern
4. Samford (0-1)
Losses: WCU
5. Chattanooga (0-2)
Losses: @ Ga Southern, @ Charleston
6. UNCG (0-3)
Losses: @ App State, @ WCU, Elon

South
1. Charleston (2-0)
Wins: Chattanooga, Citadel
1. Davidson (2-0)
Wins: @ Wofford, Furman
1. Ga Southern (2-0)
Wins: Chattanooga, App State
4. Wofford (1-1)
Wins: Citadel
Losses: Davidson
5. Furman (0-2)
Losses:@ Davidson, @ Elon
6. Citadel (0-2)
Losses: @ Charleston, @ Wofford

SoCon League Preview - Furman

Furman
Last year: 22-11 (12-6)
Finish: 3rd South Division
Postseason: CIT
Last 10: 5-5
Coach: Jeff Jackson (6th yr)

OOC Games:
@ Columbia, Mercer, Loyola (IL), @ Clemson, Virginia-Wise, Jacksonville, @ Western Kentucky, @ Presbyterian, @ Georgia, @ UNCW

Additions:
- 6'-7" F Bryant Irwin - St Joseph's Transfer (Bridgeport, WV) 4.1 pts, 2.3 rebs 2009-2010
- 6'-2" SG Jordan Loyd - ESPN Rated 83 (Atlanta, GA)
- 6'-6" SG Keith Belfield - ESPN Rated 80 (Charlotte, NC)
- 6'-5" PF Dominic Early - ESPN Rated 80 (Atlanta, GA)

Losses:
- Amu Saaka (Graduated) 15.6 pts, 6.5 rebs, 1.1 assists
- Noah States (Graduated) 10.4 pts, 4.6 rebs, 1.8 assists
- Jordan Miller (Graduated) 11.3 pts, 2.5 rebs, 1.7 assists
- Justin Dehm (Graduated) 6.1 pts, 1.5 rebs, 1.5 assists
- Darryl Evans (Graduated) 8.7 pts, 3.0 rebs, 3.5 assists

Top returners:
- Brandon Sebirumbi - 7.5 pts, 3.7 rebs
- Colin Reddick - 5.3 pts, 4.6 rebs

Spartans Drop Games to Upstate Duo

UNCG 70 - Wofford 92

News & Record
GoUpstate.com
UNCG Athletics
Wofford Athletics


UNCG 68 - Furman 81

New & Record
UNCG Athletics
Furman Athletics

Spartans Survive and Advance

UNCG 66 - Furman 65

News & Record
UNCG Athletics
Furman Athletics

Amu Saaka apparently didn't get the memo that the Paladins needed a 3 pointer to tie the game. Saaka drove the length of the court and dunk the ball with less than a second left in the game. The Spartans inbounded the ball to win by a point. The Spartans advanced to pay Wofford on Saturday. The Terriers watched the entire game in person at the Bojangles Coliseum.

Positives
- Welcome back Brandon --- Brandon Evans was absent on Monday and has spent the last half of the season in a less featured role. However, his 13 first half points really seemed to spark UNCG to take command early in this game.
- Freshmen are growing up --- I thought all 3 freshmen made big plays down the stretch. Brian Cole had a big 3 pointer and Kyle Randall made a huge steal and 3 point play. I was most impressed, though, With Randall and Korey VanDussen's desire to have the ball in their hands when UNCG needed made free throws.

Negatives
- For the second straight game, the Spartans need to make better use of their time at the free throw line. A few more made ones would have sown this game up.

#5S Furman (13-16) vs #4N UNCG (7-22)

When: Friday March 5 4:30 pm*
Where: Bojangles Coliseum (9,605)
TV: None/SoConTV.com

* This game is scheduled to start approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the Davidson-Elon game. That game will tip at 2 pm.

- The winner of today's game will advance to take on Wofford at approximately 4:30 tomorrow in Bojangles Coliseum.

Furman Athletics
Furman Forum

Spartan Notes:
- Last time out, the Spartans ran out to a 20 point second half lead, and then had to hold on to defeat Georgia Southern 81-79. It was the final home game of the year. Ben Stywall led UNCG with 30 points and 11 rebounds.
- UNCG finished the regular season tied for 3rd with Chattanooga. However, the Mocs won the tie breaker and are the 3rd seed from the North Division.
- Stywall is trying to be the first Spartan to finish the season averaging a double-double.
-UNCG and Furman split their 2 regular season games this year. Each team won on it's home floor.
- Ben Stywall lead UNCG in scoring (14.5) and rebounding (10.3). Kyle Randall leads in assists (2.6).
- For the year, UNCG is shooting 38.7% from the field, 28.9% from behind the arc and 69.3% from the free throw line.

Paladin Notes:
- Furman's rally can up short against College of Charleston on Saturday. The Cougars defeated the Paladins 69-66. Jordan Miller lead Furman with 20 points.
- Furman finished the regular season with a 7-11 conference record. They were 2 games behind the Citadel.
- Amu Saaka leads Furman in scoring (15.8) and rebounding (7.2). Darryle Evans leads the team in assists (3.2).
- For the season, Furman is shooting 41.8% from the field, 35.5% from behind the arc and 71.7% from the free throw line.

My Thoughts:
It's win or go home. I'd sure rather see G win.

Go Spartans !!!

Spartans Throw Away Huge Lead

UNCG 64 - Furman 72

News & Record
UNCG Athletics
Furman Athletics

UNCG continued it's normal streak of playing one good half and one bad half. This time, however, the guys switched things up. The game looked like it might be a repeat of the one played in Greensboro a couple of weeks earlier as the Spartans ran out to a huge lead. Unlike the game in the coliseum though, UNCG never allowed Furman to come all the way back. This time, the Paladins took the lead and ran with it. Kyle Randall and Kendall Toney hit some shots to make things interesting at the end.

Since this really was 2 separate games in one, I'm going to change up my normal wrap up. Let's look at what went right to get UNCG a big lead, and what went wrong to get them a "L".

UNCG 34 - Furman 17
Kyle Randall really took control of this game early. He was scoring and passing with confidence and running the team like a veteran. The guys were running a very nice looking offense. Toney and Mikko Koivisto took (and made) shots in rhythm. Coach Dement didn't substitute very much and the starters responded by playing well together. The Spartans switched defenses often and really left Furman completely out of sync.

UNCG 30 - Furman 55
The Spartans stopped running any kind of an offense the minute that Furman made a run. They all began trying to individually take the game over. Almost every trip down the floor involved one pass and then a player trying to create his own shot. With the ball not going in the basket, it meant that Furman didn't have to play defense at all. The Spartan defense did very little to stop Furman from getting any shot it wanted. It was really quite painful to watch the second half.

Time to move on.

UNCG (5-16) @ Furman (10-11)

When: Thursday, February 4 7 pm
Where: Timmons Arena (5,000)
TV: None*

* Game is listed on Channelsurfing.net

Furman Athletics
Furman Forum