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 Hang On For Win

UNCG 81 - Ga Southern 79

News & Record
UNCG Athletics
GSU Athletics

The Spartans built a 20-point second half lead,but still had to survive a furious Eagle comeback attempt. The game was over until Kyle Randall stole a desperate pass just as the final buzzer sounded. It was the 4th straight win for UNCG on Senior Night. The win put the Spartans in a tie fro 3rd in the North Division, and gave them the #4 seed from the North in this weekend's Southern Conference Tournament.

Positives
- Ben Stywall --- After having a very disappointing game at Davidson last Wednesday, Ben responding with a career high 30 points and 11 rebounds. Through a tough season, Ben has been a huge bright spot for this team. If he's not 1st team All-SoCon then the media and coaches all need their heads examined.
- Senior Leadership --- It was the last home game for Ben Stywall, Mikko Koivisto, Mike Hardiman, Kendal Toney and Pete Brown. You could almost sense that they weren't about to let this team lose. In the huddle at every timeout, you could see the guys being very vocal. I for one was very proud of how all of these guys represented our university.

Negatives
- Free throws are free --- With the student section chanting for Mike Hardiman, it would have been nice to just knock down one more free throw. Just one made pair in the last minute would have brought Mike to the scorer's table. Instead, UNCG struggled to make just 10-21 in the second half. Thus, no Hardiman and a nail biting finish.
- 3 Point Shooting --- UNCG struggled to make a 3 in the game against Citadel. They struggled even worse in this game. The Spartans made just 2-15 (13.3%). If this team wants to continue their season in Charlotte this weekend, they'll have to start putting the long ball in the basket at a higher percentage.

Thanks Guys

A big thank you and congratulations to seniors Ben Stywall, Mike Hardiman, Pete Brown, Kendall Toney and Mikko Koivisto. As a Spartan alum, I am proud of the way you have represented the university.

Now having said that, I hope your careers continue on for quite a few more games.

Georgia Southern (9-21) @ UNCG (6-22)

When: Monday, March 1 7 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617/23,500)
TV: None

Ga Southern Athletics
Ga Southern Forum

Spartan Notes:
- Tonight will be the last home game for seniors Ben Stywall, Mikko Koivisto, Pete Brown, Kendall Toney, Montel Smith and Mike Hardiman.
- Last time out, a Brendan McKillop 3 pointer with 27 seconds to play broke a 56-56 tie between UNCG and Davidson. The Wildcats went on to win 60-56. Kendall Toney led UNCG with 16 points. Kyle Randall added 15 points and Brian Cole had 14.
- Tonight's game will determine UNCG's seed for the Southern Conference tournament in Charlotte. If the Spartans win, they will be the 4th seed form the North Division. A loss would send them down to the 5th seed.
- Ben Stywall is leading the team in points (14.0) and rebounds (10.3). Kyle Randall is averaging 9.4 points and a team best 2.5 assists.
- For the season, UNCG is shooting 38.3% from the field, 29.4% from behind the arc and 70.3% from the free throw line.

Eagles Notes:
- With a win tonight, Georgia Southern will pull into a tie with Furman for 5th place in the South Division. The two teams have split their games against each other and have identical records ageist all the teams in their division. As a result, the teams will be seeded based on their RPI ranking (from RealtimeRPI). If the Spartans defeat the Eagles, GSU will be the 6th seed in the south and Furman the 5th.
- Tonight is the first and only meeting between UNCG and GSU. Last year, the teams split their two games with each team winning on the other's home floor.
- The Eagles enter tonight's game having won 3 of their past 4 games.
- Even though the Eagles have a record of 9-21, 2 of their wins have came against non-D1 opponents. GSU defeated Arkansas-Ft. Smith and Reinhardt earlier in the season.
- Willie Powers leads the team in scoring (14.8) and assists (5.4). Rory Spencer leads the team in rebounds (4.4).
- For the year, GSU is shooting 43.2% from the field, 38.4% from behind the arc and 67.8% from the free throw line.

My Thoughts:
It's senior night and the last game for the season at the Greensboro Coliseum. I will be there and will be very loud. I hope that there are a lot of other loud people there with me.

Go Spartans !!!

Late 3 Pointer Sinks Spartans

UNCG 56 - Davidson 60

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Charlotte Observer
UNCG Athletics
Davidson Athletics

Brendan McKillop hit a 3 pointer with less than 30 seconds remaining and then kept the Spartans from getting a good look of their own to win on their Senior Night. Kendall Toney led the UNCG with 16 points.

Positives
- Turnovers --- UNCG has given the ball away too many times throughout the year. Against a good Wildcat defense, UNCG had a season low 6.
- Freshmen --- Kyle Randall continues to play well in the second half of the season. Randall had 15 points and a surprising 7 rebounds. Brian Cole played extended minutes and really made the most of them. Cole scored 14 points on 5-8 shooting.

Negatives
- Ben Stywall --- Ben has been one of the best players in Southern Conference. However, he was saddled with foul trouble all night and only managed 1 point and 3 rebounds.
- Rebounds --- When UNCG hasn't rebounded well, the results have been poor. Davidson out rebounded UNCG by 10.

UNCG (6-21) @ Davidson (14-14)

When: Wednesday, February 24 7 pm
Where: Belk Arena (5,223)
TV None

Davidson Athletics
Davidson Forum