UNCG Women’s Basketball Drops Contest at Samford, 62-53
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) women’s basketball team took a 62-53 loss at Samford on Saturday afternoon in the Pete Hanna Center.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Ayanna Khalfani scored the first basket of the game on a faastbreak layup which began an 8-2 run for the Spartans. UNCG continued to control the first quarter after recording seven unanswered points that was concluded with a three-pointer from Jayde Gamble to give the squad an 11-point advantage over the Bulldogs (15-4). However, Samford responded with 12 unanswered points to take a one-point lead over the Spartans (16-15). A three-point play from Gamble, followed by a jumper from Samford’s Alonya Walon ended the first frame all tied up at 18.
A layup from Isys Grady began a 6-0 run for the Spartans to start the second quarter to keep Samford from leading in the remainder of the first half. With 1:37 remaining, a layup from Gamble and a jumper from the Bulldogs’ Carly Heidger put UNCG up 32-25 heading into the locker room.
Samford came out of the break dropping an 18-3 run to begin the second half Samford outscored UNCG 22-7 in the third quarter. Samford remained in control heading into the final period, 47-39.
The fourth quarter was a mostly even battle between the Bulldogs and Spartans with Samford only beating out UNCG 15-14 in the final frame. The final quarter started with a jumper from Khalfani to put the Spartans back within six (41-47). However, it wouldn’t be enough for UNCG to pull away from Samford’s lead created from the third quarter. One final free throw from Waldon gave Samford the 62-53 victory.
BY THE NUMBERS
Gamble paced both teams with 20 points.
Kelly Boyle posted a new career high of 10 points for the Spartans.
Khalfani led the way with three steals.
Gamble and Grady combined for eight assists.
Khalis Cain and Jay’lin Hastings captured two blocks apiece.
UNCG collected 11 fast break points to Samford’s two.
The Spartans registered eight blocks to the Bulldogs’ one.
RECORDS
UNCG: 13-6, 2-2, SoCon
Samford: 10-9, 2-2, SoCon
UP NEXT
The Spartans will return to Fleming Gym next week to host Chattanooga on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. and ETSU on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 1 p.m.
Thursday’s game will be the March of Dimes Game and the first 100 UNCG students there will receive a free UNCG key tag! At Saturday’s game, the first 100 students will receive a FREE UNCG tote bag! In addition, it will be Guilford County Schools Teacher Appreciation Game! Guilford County Schools Teachers receive FREE admission with a valid work ID to the game and their guests receive the discounted ticket rate of only $3. Contact the ticket office for more information.
To purchase tickets for any home games for the 2023-24 UNCG women’s basketball season, click here to learn more or call the UNCG Athletics Ticket Office at (336) 334-3250.
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Courtesy of Emma White
Strategic Communications Coordinator
UNC Greensboro