Women’s Basketball Hands Chattanooga First Conference Loss
CHATTANOOGA, TENN. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) women’s basketball team handed Chattanooga its first loss in The Southern Conference (SoCon) on Saturday, 68-64 in the McKenzie Arena.
Jayde Gamble led the Spartans with 20 points in the contest. Ayanna Khalfani followed closely behind with her eighth double-double this season after recording 13 points and 13 boards.
Attached Photo: (Jayde Gamble Celebration) photo credit: Emma White
HOW IT HAPPENED
Chattanooga got on the board first in the game with a jumper from Karsen Murphy. Nia Howard and Khalfani responded with a collective five points to give the Spartans the 5-2 lead. The remainder of the first quarter went back-and-forth until the Mocs recorded a 9-0 run to take a 14-9 lead over the Spartans. Kelly Boyle beat the buzzer at the end of the frame to cut the deficit to three (14-11).
The Spartans continued to stay within range of taking the lead in the second quarter, but the Mocs were able to hold the advantage. The second quarter was ended with a layup from Jada Guinn giving Chattanooga the 33-25 advantage at the half.
A couple free throws from Gamble gave the Spartans the first points of the second half (33-27). However, Chattanooga continued to hold the advantage, leading by as much 12 points on one occasion (46-36). Boyle beat the shot clock at the end of the third frame with a three-pointer, bringing the Spartans back within nine (46-37).
The Spartans came out dominating in the fourth quarter, starting things off with a 6-2 run (47-42). With Chattanooga up 49-43, a three-pointer and layup from Boyle, followed by a jumper from Gamble gave UNCG the 50-49 lead. The Spartans were able to hold this lead for the remainder of the game. UNCG led by as much as nine on two occasions in the final frame. The contest was ended with UNCG at the charity line closing out the 68-64 victory over the SoCon Regular Season Champions.
BY THE NUMBERS
Khalfani’s 13 rebounds was a new career high for the graduate student.
Gamble’s 20 points was her 19th game with double figures this season and her sixth game with 20 or more points.
Boyle went 2-for-2 from behind the arc and was third on the team with 12 points.
Grady also landed double figures with 10 points on the day.
Antoniette Emma-Nnopu followed closely behind Khalfani with 11 boards.
Khalfani and Gamble collected two assists apiece in the game.
The Spartans recorded 23 bench points to the Mocs’ 10.
RECORDS
UNCG: 18-10, 7-6, SoCon
Chattanooga: 23-4, 11-1, SoCon
UP NEXT
The Spartans will conclude the 2024 regular season by hosting Western Carolina on Saturday, March 2 at 2 p.m., in Fleming Gym. Saturday’s game will be senior day for Ayanna Khalfani, Khalis Cain and Jay’lin Hastings.
Saturday’s game is also the Fan Appreciation Game, where fans can enter to win prizes!
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