Friday, January 17, 2014
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Spartans Pull Out Tough Win in Overtime
UNCG 69 - Citadel 65 OT
UNCG Athletics
Citadel Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 20 - Citadel 31
UNCG Stats
Leader points: Locke (21)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (16)
Leader Assists: Parker, Potts (Tied - 2)
Team FG: 24-66 (36.4%)
Team 3 Pt: 5-17 (29.4%)
Team FT: 16-26 (61.5%)
Rebounds: 45
Turnovers: 11
Citadel Stats
Leader Points: Moore (21)
Leader Rebounds: Van Scyoc (11)
Leader Assists: Moore (5)
Team FG: 23-41 (41.8%)
Team 3 Pt: 10-28 (35.7%)
Team FT: 9-18 (50.0%)
Rebounds: 34
Turnovers: 15
Thoughts
Here is a perfect example of a game that UNCG would have absolutely lost last year. The team would have went in at half down by 11, and when the lead ballooned to 14 it would have full on panic mode. The rest of the half, the home fans would have watched their Spartans jack up bad shots looking for the mythical 10 point play.
Instead, UNCG steadily fought its way back into this game. Now the Bulldogs helped them out by playing poor on the offensive end and giving the ball away at bad times. But UNCG never led in this game until Nicholas Paulos's 3 pointer in overtime. Once they took the lead, you could just see it in their eyes. They weren't giving this game back.
Kyle Cain and Kayel Locke were just unstoppable for long stretches tonight. The rest of the team contributed enough to help push G to the tough victory. Other than the huge rebound discrepancy, the stats aren't easy on the eyes. The one other category that is fun to look at, though, is the turnovers. UNCG improved to 5-1 when it turns the ball over 13 or less times.
In order for UNCG to get a bye for the SoCon Tournament, they are going to have to find a way to win games when they are not playing very well. This was one of those nights. When I look back on this game in a few weeks, it will simply be a win. I'll remember very little about how it became a win. That works for me.
Now Saturday has the chance to be a lot of fun. Davidson comes to Greensboro for the last time. The Spartans have a chance to measure themselves against another of the best teams in the SoCon. The last time this happened against Western Carolina, UNCG wasn't ready for "prime time". Maybe they will be this time. Go Spartans !!!
UNCG Athletics
Citadel Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 20 - Citadel 31
UNCG Stats
Leader points: Locke (21)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (16)
Leader Assists: Parker, Potts (Tied - 2)
Team FG: 24-66 (36.4%)
Team 3 Pt: 5-17 (29.4%)
Team FT: 16-26 (61.5%)
Rebounds: 45
Turnovers: 11
Citadel Stats
Leader Points: Moore (21)
Leader Rebounds: Van Scyoc (11)
Leader Assists: Moore (5)
Team FG: 23-41 (41.8%)
Team 3 Pt: 10-28 (35.7%)
Team FT: 9-18 (50.0%)
Rebounds: 34
Turnovers: 15
Thoughts
Here is a perfect example of a game that UNCG would have absolutely lost last year. The team would have went in at half down by 11, and when the lead ballooned to 14 it would have full on panic mode. The rest of the half, the home fans would have watched their Spartans jack up bad shots looking for the mythical 10 point play.
Instead, UNCG steadily fought its way back into this game. Now the Bulldogs helped them out by playing poor on the offensive end and giving the ball away at bad times. But UNCG never led in this game until Nicholas Paulos's 3 pointer in overtime. Once they took the lead, you could just see it in their eyes. They weren't giving this game back.
Kyle Cain and Kayel Locke were just unstoppable for long stretches tonight. The rest of the team contributed enough to help push G to the tough victory. Other than the huge rebound discrepancy, the stats aren't easy on the eyes. The one other category that is fun to look at, though, is the turnovers. UNCG improved to 5-1 when it turns the ball over 13 or less times.
In order for UNCG to get a bye for the SoCon Tournament, they are going to have to find a way to win games when they are not playing very well. This was one of those nights. When I look back on this game in a few weeks, it will simply be a win. I'll remember very little about how it became a win. That works for me.
Now Saturday has the chance to be a lot of fun. Davidson comes to Greensboro for the last time. The Spartans have a chance to measure themselves against another of the best teams in the SoCon. The last time this happened against Western Carolina, UNCG wasn't ready for "prime time". Maybe they will be this time. Go Spartans !!!
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Citadel (4-14) @ UNCG (9-9)
When: Thursday, January 16 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.
Citadel Athletics
UNCG Stats
Last Game: @ App State (W 66-60) Recap
PPG: 71.2
RPG: 36.7
APG: 13.2
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (15.4)
Leader Reboudns: Kyle Cain (8.7)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.1)
FG %: 45.5
3 Pt %: 35.4
FT %: 69.0
Citadel Stats
Last game: @ Elon (L 65-74) Recap
Leader Points: Matt Van Scyoc (14.8)
Leader Rebounds: Brian White (7.1)
Leader Assists: Marshall Harris III (4.3)
FG %: 42.8
3 Pt %: 36.3
FT %: 72.0
Thoughts
Let me start off by saying this game feels like the Presbyterian game. It's like a game that most UNCG fans have already counted as a win. It's a game UNCG probably should win at home. The problem is that UNCG is young and has shown the ability to lay an egg at bad times. This could be one of those times.
The Bulldogs don't look to be a particularly potent offensive squad, but they do have the size to match up better with UNCG than the last 2 SoCon opponents. Brian White is looking a lot like the SoCon Freshman of the Year. 6'-8" PJ Horgan has decided to push through his back problems and get back on the court. So far in 3 games, he's not made a huge statistical contribution, but he could be a factor on Thursday. UNCG will have to do a good job guarding Citadel's outside shooters like Van Scyoc, Moore and Harris III.
For the Spartans it all comes back to securing the basketball. UNCG will need to take better care of the ball against a team that doesn't really force many turnovers. It's a problem to give a not so good offensive team easy looks because of turnovers. Hopefully with lower turnovers, UNCG can create better looks on the offensive end. Also it would be nice to see the defensive efficiency from Boone carry over for another game.
This game is very important for UNCG. The way the tiers appear to be breaking for the SoCon, UNCG needs to win the games it is supposed to in order to get a bye. With a huge game on the horizon against Davidson, UNCG needs to not get caught looking ahead and come with focus Bulldogs. If that happens, Saturday afternoon's game should be fun. Got to get this one first, though. Go Spartans !!!
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.
Citadel Athletics
UNCG Stats
Last Game: @ App State (W 66-60) Recap
PPG: 71.2
RPG: 36.7
APG: 13.2
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (15.4)
Leader Reboudns: Kyle Cain (8.7)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.1)
FG %: 45.5
3 Pt %: 35.4
FT %: 69.0
Citadel Stats
Last game: @ Elon (L 65-74) Recap
Leader Points: Matt Van Scyoc (14.8)
Leader Rebounds: Brian White (7.1)
Leader Assists: Marshall Harris III (4.3)
FG %: 42.8
3 Pt %: 36.3
FT %: 72.0
Thoughts
Let me start off by saying this game feels like the Presbyterian game. It's like a game that most UNCG fans have already counted as a win. It's a game UNCG probably should win at home. The problem is that UNCG is young and has shown the ability to lay an egg at bad times. This could be one of those times.
The Bulldogs don't look to be a particularly potent offensive squad, but they do have the size to match up better with UNCG than the last 2 SoCon opponents. Brian White is looking a lot like the SoCon Freshman of the Year. 6'-8" PJ Horgan has decided to push through his back problems and get back on the court. So far in 3 games, he's not made a huge statistical contribution, but he could be a factor on Thursday. UNCG will have to do a good job guarding Citadel's outside shooters like Van Scyoc, Moore and Harris III.
For the Spartans it all comes back to securing the basketball. UNCG will need to take better care of the ball against a team that doesn't really force many turnovers. It's a problem to give a not so good offensive team easy looks because of turnovers. Hopefully with lower turnovers, UNCG can create better looks on the offensive end. Also it would be nice to see the defensive efficiency from Boone carry over for another game.
This game is very important for UNCG. The way the tiers appear to be breaking for the SoCon, UNCG needs to win the games it is supposed to in order to get a bye. With a huge game on the horizon against Davidson, UNCG needs to not get caught looking ahead and come with focus Bulldogs. If that happens, Saturday afternoon's game should be fun. Got to get this one first, though. Go Spartans !!!
Monday, January 13, 2014
Scanning the SoCon Week #11
Scanning the SoCon - Week #11
Power Rankings
1. Davidson
2. WCU
3. Elon
4. UTC
5. UNCG
6. Ga southern
7. Wofford
8. Samford
9. Furman
10. Citadel
11. App state
Player of the Week
De'mon Brooks
Game of the Week
Elon @ Davidson
Power Rankings
1. Davidson
2. WCU
3. Elon
4. UTC
5. UNCG
6. Ga southern
7. Wofford
8. Samford
9. Furman
10. Citadel
11. App state
Player of the Week
De'mon Brooks
Game of the Week
Elon @ Davidson
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Defense Propels UNCG to Road Win
UNCG 66 - App State 60
UNCG Athletics
App State Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 29 - App State 30
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Saddler, Paulos (Tied - 13)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (14)
Leader Assists: Sadler (3)
Team FG: 23-49 (46.9%)
Team 3 Pt: 4-12 (33.3%)
Team FT: 16-25 (64.0%)
Rebounds: 41
Turnovers: 21
App State Stats
Leader Points: Canty (15)
Leader Rebounds: Obacha (7)
Leader Assists: Hamilton, Canty (Tied - 2)
Team FG: 20-58 (34.5%)
Team 3 Pt: 5-17 (29.4%)
Team FT: 15-21 (71.4%)
Rebounds: 34
Turnovers: 14
Thoughts
UNCG had another rough mountain trip in regards to keeping possession of the basketball. 21 turnovers has usually been the downfall of the Spartans this season. However, G played some solid second half defense and continued to dominate the rebounding margin.
The Mountaineers came into this game leading the SoCon in offensive rebounding. However, UNCG's front court held App State 6 boards below its average. Also, the Spartans defense limited App to just 5 made 3-pointers and under 35% shooting for the game. Jay Canty had a solid first half (11 points) but didn't take many shots in the second half and, according the UNCG radio feed, seemed injured throughout the second half. Not sure what the deal was with him.
As for UNCG, it was definitely ugly. That turnover number was extremely high. Probably too high to think that they will many more games being that careless with the ball. However, it was a win. A conference road win, no less. Those are not wins to be taken lightly. So, I'm sure the coaching staff and team would rather watch film of those mistakes after a win.
Now UNCG can take the weekend off and focus on what will be a giant home stand. On Thursday, UNCG will have a chance to go above .500 in the month of January for the first time in what feels like forever. If they can find a way to get past the Citadel, they will get a chance to face off with Davidson in a huge home contest that should see a big crowd and a ton of excitement. Go Spartans !!!
UNCG Athletics
App State Athletics
Halftime: UNCG 29 - App State 30
UNCG Stats
Leader Points: Saddler, Paulos (Tied - 13)
Leader Rebounds: Cain (14)
Leader Assists: Sadler (3)
Team FG: 23-49 (46.9%)
Team 3 Pt: 4-12 (33.3%)
Team FT: 16-25 (64.0%)
Rebounds: 41
Turnovers: 21
App State Stats
Leader Points: Canty (15)
Leader Rebounds: Obacha (7)
Leader Assists: Hamilton, Canty (Tied - 2)
Team FG: 20-58 (34.5%)
Team 3 Pt: 5-17 (29.4%)
Team FT: 15-21 (71.4%)
Rebounds: 34
Turnovers: 14
Thoughts
UNCG had another rough mountain trip in regards to keeping possession of the basketball. 21 turnovers has usually been the downfall of the Spartans this season. However, G played some solid second half defense and continued to dominate the rebounding margin.
The Mountaineers came into this game leading the SoCon in offensive rebounding. However, UNCG's front court held App State 6 boards below its average. Also, the Spartans defense limited App to just 5 made 3-pointers and under 35% shooting for the game. Jay Canty had a solid first half (11 points) but didn't take many shots in the second half and, according the UNCG radio feed, seemed injured throughout the second half. Not sure what the deal was with him.
As for UNCG, it was definitely ugly. That turnover number was extremely high. Probably too high to think that they will many more games being that careless with the ball. However, it was a win. A conference road win, no less. Those are not wins to be taken lightly. So, I'm sure the coaching staff and team would rather watch film of those mistakes after a win.
Now UNCG can take the weekend off and focus on what will be a giant home stand. On Thursday, UNCG will have a chance to go above .500 in the month of January for the first time in what feels like forever. If they can find a way to get past the Citadel, they will get a chance to face off with Davidson in a huge home contest that should see a big crowd and a ton of excitement. Go Spartans !!!
UNCG (8-9) @ App State (4-10)
When: Saturday, January 9 7:00 pm
Where: Holmes Center (8,325)
TV: None
App State Athletics
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Furman (W 90-82) Recap
PPG: 71.5
RPG: 36.5
APG: 13.4
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (15.6)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.4)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.1)
FG %: 45.4
3 PT %: 35.5
FT %: 69.3
App State Stats
Last Game: @ Elon (L 75-66) Recap
PPG: 71.6
RPG: 37.6
APG: 11.5
Leader Points: Tab Hamilton (13.4)*
Leader Rebounds: Michael Obacha (9.4)
Leader Assist: Mike Neal (3.1)
FG %: 41.4
3 Pt %: 29.5
FT %: 65.9
* - Jay Canty is averaging 16.0 points in 2 games.
Thoughts
Tonight's game in Boone is very interesting. Even though App State is winless in D1 games and looking for its first conference win, they are still being favored by 2.5 points in Vegas. What does that mean? It means App isn't that far off. On Monday night, the Mountaineers went to Burlington and promptly dug themselves a 15 halftime hole only to come charging back and make a game of it. That doesn't sound like a team that's ready to throw in the towel and get rid of its coach. ASU still has some fight left in them.Keep in mind that this is the same team that went out and earned a bye for the SoCon Tournament last year.
Make no mistake, even though App is led in most categories by other people, Jay Canty is the best player in Boone. He has spent all but the last 2 games sitting with a suspension that appears to involve both academics and some off the court issues. In only his second game back, Canty tallied 20 points and 4 steals. Playing against a team that is loose with the ball like UNCG, that steal total is just plain scary. Michael Obacha should provide an inside challenge for the Spartans. He leads the SoCon in rebounding and App State leads the league in offensive rebounds. One key tonight will be limiting App State to only one shot each trip down the floor.
For the Spartans, it all goes back to that simple key of limiting turnovers. UNCG is 4-1 when it turns the ball over 13 or less times. The last mountain road trip saw the team turn it over 23 times and really have no chance at victory. UNCG will also need contributions from its shooters again tonight. On Monday, Jordan Potts and Nicholas Paulos stepped up and made big shots from the outside and it opened up room for Saddler to drive and room for Locke and Cain to operate down low. I the post, UNCG owns a definite advantage. They lead the league in rebounding margin. However, with Jordy Kuiper hurt, the Spartan big men will need to do a better job staying out of foul trouble.
UNCG hasn't had a ton of success in Boone in recent memory. In order to get that crucial bye in the SoCon Tournament, the Spartans are going to have to pick up a few road wins. While a loss wouldn't be devastating, a win could really set up the team well going into next week's home stand against the Citadel and Davidson. Hopefully G has learned from it's last trip up the mountain what it needs to do to win on the road in conference. Go Spartans !!!
Where: Holmes Center (8,325)
TV: None
App State Athletics
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Furman (W 90-82) Recap
PPG: 71.5
RPG: 36.5
APG: 13.4
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (15.6)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.4)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.1)
FG %: 45.4
3 PT %: 35.5
FT %: 69.3
App State Stats
Last Game: @ Elon (L 75-66) Recap
PPG: 71.6
RPG: 37.6
APG: 11.5
Leader Points: Tab Hamilton (13.4)*
Leader Rebounds: Michael Obacha (9.4)
Leader Assist: Mike Neal (3.1)
FG %: 41.4
3 Pt %: 29.5
FT %: 65.9
* - Jay Canty is averaging 16.0 points in 2 games.
Thoughts
Tonight's game in Boone is very interesting. Even though App State is winless in D1 games and looking for its first conference win, they are still being favored by 2.5 points in Vegas. What does that mean? It means App isn't that far off. On Monday night, the Mountaineers went to Burlington and promptly dug themselves a 15 halftime hole only to come charging back and make a game of it. That doesn't sound like a team that's ready to throw in the towel and get rid of its coach. ASU still has some fight left in them.Keep in mind that this is the same team that went out and earned a bye for the SoCon Tournament last year.
Make no mistake, even though App is led in most categories by other people, Jay Canty is the best player in Boone. He has spent all but the last 2 games sitting with a suspension that appears to involve both academics and some off the court issues. In only his second game back, Canty tallied 20 points and 4 steals. Playing against a team that is loose with the ball like UNCG, that steal total is just plain scary. Michael Obacha should provide an inside challenge for the Spartans. He leads the SoCon in rebounding and App State leads the league in offensive rebounds. One key tonight will be limiting App State to only one shot each trip down the floor.
For the Spartans, it all goes back to that simple key of limiting turnovers. UNCG is 4-1 when it turns the ball over 13 or less times. The last mountain road trip saw the team turn it over 23 times and really have no chance at victory. UNCG will also need contributions from its shooters again tonight. On Monday, Jordan Potts and Nicholas Paulos stepped up and made big shots from the outside and it opened up room for Saddler to drive and room for Locke and Cain to operate down low. I the post, UNCG owns a definite advantage. They lead the league in rebounding margin. However, with Jordy Kuiper hurt, the Spartan big men will need to do a better job staying out of foul trouble.
UNCG hasn't had a ton of success in Boone in recent memory. In order to get that crucial bye in the SoCon Tournament, the Spartans are going to have to pick up a few road wins. While a loss wouldn't be devastating, a win could really set up the team well going into next week's home stand against the Citadel and Davidson. Hopefully G has learned from it's last trip up the mountain what it needs to do to win on the road in conference. Go Spartans !!!
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Scanning the SoCon Week #10
Scanning the SoCon - Week #10
Power Rankings
1. Western Carolina
2. Davidson
3. Elon
4. Ga Southern
5. UNCG
6. UTC
7. Wofford
8. Furman
9. Samford
10. Citadel
11. App State
Player of the Week
Trey Sumler
Game of the Week
WCU @ Ga Southern
Sum up your team
The life of following a very young team. The last time I wrote for this segment, UNCG had just finished up it's worst week of the season. As I write this week, UNCG has just finished one of it's more successful portions of the year. During this stretch, the Spartans Completely whipped James Madison and taken NC State and Wake Forest down to the last minute before falling to them. UNCG also defeated just it's second ACC team ever by erasing an 11 point second half deficit to stun Virginia Tech. Unfortunately, UNCG did not look very good in its most recent game at Western Carolina. The Spartans drifted back into some old, bad trends with 23 turnovers. The team has a young back court and I guess it's not surprising to see that number a of turnovers against an experienced team on the road.
How much difference do you think Jay Canty will make in coming back to Appalachian State? Why?
That team has been downright bad in the first 2 months of the season and Canty is an all-conference caliber player. So, I think it's safe to say that he should make a huge difference for that team. The question is more how long will it take Canty to get up to speed and for the team to adjust playing with him.
Which player do you think is the most underrated player in the SoCon? Why?
I think this panel does a very good job of noticing all of the good players in this league. So, it's awful hard to say someone gets overlooked. But with all of the attention that's been paid to who isn't playing for App State, I think Tevin Baskin has been overlooked. He's put up dome very solid stats with 11.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and almost a block a game.
What is the top rivalry in the SoCon right now? Why?
I think the Davidson-Elon rivalry is the most interesting right now. It ahs a lot to do with the Matheny-Davidson connection and the fact they play very similar styles. I'll be interested to see if Citadel-VMI can grow a good rivalry starting next season with the conference shuffling.
Power Rankings
1. Western Carolina
2. Davidson
3. Elon
4. Ga Southern
5. UNCG
6. UTC
7. Wofford
8. Furman
9. Samford
10. Citadel
11. App State
Player of the Week
Trey Sumler
Game of the Week
WCU @ Ga Southern
Sum up your team
The life of following a very young team. The last time I wrote for this segment, UNCG had just finished up it's worst week of the season. As I write this week, UNCG has just finished one of it's more successful portions of the year. During this stretch, the Spartans Completely whipped James Madison and taken NC State and Wake Forest down to the last minute before falling to them. UNCG also defeated just it's second ACC team ever by erasing an 11 point second half deficit to stun Virginia Tech. Unfortunately, UNCG did not look very good in its most recent game at Western Carolina. The Spartans drifted back into some old, bad trends with 23 turnovers. The team has a young back court and I guess it's not surprising to see that number a of turnovers against an experienced team on the road.
How much difference do you think Jay Canty will make in coming back to Appalachian State? Why?
That team has been downright bad in the first 2 months of the season and Canty is an all-conference caliber player. So, I think it's safe to say that he should make a huge difference for that team. The question is more how long will it take Canty to get up to speed and for the team to adjust playing with him.
Which player do you think is the most underrated player in the SoCon? Why?
I think this panel does a very good job of noticing all of the good players in this league. So, it's awful hard to say someone gets overlooked. But with all of the attention that's been paid to who isn't playing for App State, I think Tevin Baskin has been overlooked. He's put up dome very solid stats with 11.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and almost a block a game.
What is the top rivalry in the SoCon right now? Why?
I think the Davidson-Elon rivalry is the most interesting right now. It ahs a lot to do with the Matheny-Davidson connection and the fact they play very similar styles. I'll be interested to see if Citadel-VMI can grow a good rivalry starting next season with the conference shuffling.
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