Phifer’s 20-20 Performance Sparks Greensboro College Pride Men’s Basketball to 95-80 Victory Over Warren Wilson

Phifer’s 20-20 Performance Sparks Pride Men To 95-80 Victory Over Warren Wilson
from Wes Gullett, with Greensboro College Sports Information

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Michael Phifer became the first Greensboro College men’s basketball player in program history to notch 20 points and 20 rebounds in a single game as the Pride defeated Warren Wilson College Sunday 95-80.

Greensboro came out of the gates fast and quickly established an 11-4 lead after shooting four-of-seven from the field, including three-of-four from three-point range. Keyford Langley got the opening run started with his first three-pointer of the afternoon before Eric Peaks Jr. and Kristian Williams also hit from three-point range, while Peaks also added a layup.

Following the opening run, Greensboro went on to take their first double digit lead with 13:39 showing on the clock after Matthew Brown it one-of-two free-throw attempts.

Warren Wilson would then go on a 6-0 run over the next 1:30 to pull within 20-16, but Greensboro was able off the surge as they quickly regained an eight-point advantage after a pair of layups by Justin Minnis and one from Greyson Collins.

Once Collins put the Pride back up by eight, the Owls scored the game’s next basketball before Greensboro closed the final 10 minutes of the half on a 25-17 run to take a 51-37 lead into the break. Phifer fueled the Greensboro offensive attack down the stretch as he chipped in nine points while Brown added four points.

Despite holding on to the 14-point lead at the break, Warren Wilson did not back down as they rallied to within seven points, at 58-51, following the under-16 media timeout. However, the Greensboro offense proved to be too much as the Pride went on a 10-2 run over the next two minutes to take a 68-53 lead. Once again, it was Phifer fueling the charge with five points while Justin Minnis and Brown combined for the other five points.

Over the final 12:40 of the game, the Greensboro defense would not let Warren Wilson get any closer than 12 points as the held on for the 15-point victory.

Phifer finished the afternoon with 21 points and 20 rebounds to go along with three-assists, two steals, and one block. In addition to becoming the only player in program history with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in a single game, Phifer also tied Walter Brady’s record, which was set on Jan. 10, 2019, for most rebounds in a single game. Williams (10), Langley (14), Collins (10), and Minnis (13) also finished with double figures scoring. Greensboro out rebounded the Owls 51-34 on the day while also forcing 23 turnovers that resulted in 25 points and 25 fast-break points.

The Pride men will return to action Wednesday when they travel to NCAA Division I member Coastal Carolina University for an exhibition match-up. For more information on Greensboro College men’s basketball, continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.