Women’s Basketball Defeats Paladins Down the Wire, 59-56
GREENVILLE, S.C. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) women’s basketball team earned a thrilling 59-56 victory over Furman on Thursday night in Greenville, S.C. at the Timmons Arena.
With the win, UNCG has claimed a regular season sweep over Furman.
Three Spartans scored double figures in the game. Jayde Gamble paced the team with 14 points, while Isys Grady and Ayanna Khalfani followed closely behind with 12 points apiece. Khalfani added 11 boards for her fifth double-double this season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Due to an admin technical foul from the Furman scorer’s table, the Spartans were able to get on the board first with a designated free-throw from Gamble. Furman gained the first basket of regulation with a three-pointer from Niveya Henley (3-1). The Spartans quickly responded, as Gamble drained a three-pointer and Grady followed with a jumper to put the Spartans back on top (6-3). UNCG maintained its lead until Furman dropped a 5-0 run to take the lead (8-6). After drawing a couple fouls, the Spartans recorded a 3-0 run at the charity line to regain the lead (9-8). With 27 seconds remaining in the first frame, Furman’s Henley was able to respond with a three-pointer to give the Paladins the 11-9 lead heading to the bench.
Back-to-back jumpers from Grady gave the Spartans the 13-11 lead to start the second quarter. The Paladins responded with a 6-2 run to take the lead (17-15) and hold it for the remainder of the period. With 18 seconds remaining in the first half, Furman’s Evie Depetro drove in for a layup to give the Paladins a 23-19 lead going into the locker room.
The Spartans came out of the break and outscored the Paladins 22-18 in the third quarter. After Henley gained the first two points of the second half, the Spartans recorded a 6-1 run to cut the deficit to two (25-23). With UNCG down 28-25, a jumper from Grady, followed by a layup from Nia Howard gave the squad the 29-28 lead. UNCG only allowed Furman to gain the lead on one more occasion in the third quarter. A last second jumper from Jada Session tied the game up at 41 points apiece heading into the final frame.
Furman started off the fourth quarter with a 4-0 run to take the lead and hold it throughout the majority of the final 10 minutes. However, with 2:06 remaining and Furman on top 52-49, two consecutive free throws from Gamble cut the deficit to one (52-51). Furman’s Hanna Hansson responded with two points to allow the Paladins to continue with the lead. With 53 seconds left in the game, Howard stole the ball and sprinted up the court for a fast break layup, cutting the deficit to one (54-53). Both teams took turns holding a one-point advantage in the final 47 seconds. UNCG secured the win with its defense and two made free throws from Gamble for a 59-56 victory.
BY THE NUMBERS
Khalfani also led the squad with four assists and three blocks.
Khalis Cain tag teamed with Khlafani for 11 rebounds apiece.
Gamble went 5-for-5 at the free-throw line.
Khalfani and Gamble led the Spartans with two steals apiece.
UNCG scored 10 points from turnovers to Furman’s four.
The Spartans recorded 20 second chance points, while the Paladins only posted eight.
UNCG posted eight fast break points to Furman’s one.
RECORDS
UNCG: 15-8, 4-4, SoCon
Furman: 12-11, 2-6, SoCon
UP NEXT
The Spartans will close out their South Carolina road trip with a matchup to Wofford on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. at the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium in Spartanburg, S.C.
TICKETS
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