UNCG Men’s Basketball Comes Up Short Against UTEP, 64-58
HENDERSON, NEV. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men’s basketball team came up short against UTEP, 64-58, in the final game of the 2024 Ball Dawgs Classic at Lee’s Family Forum on Wednesday.
Donovan Atwell paced the game with a season-high 20 points, shooting 6-for-13 from behind the three-point line. Ronald Polite III and Kenyon Giles each chipped in 10 points.
HOW IT HAPPENED
UTEP began the game with an 8-2 run before the Spartans scored four-straight points to come within two, 8-6. A 10-2 run by the Miners gave them their first double-digit lead, 18-8, with 10:57 left in the half. UTEP maintained the lead in the remaining minutes before the break, but in the last 5:25 of the half, UNCG went on a 13-6 run that closed the gap to eight, 33-25.
UNCG utilized a 6-2 run in the early minutes of the second half to cut the deficit to four, 35-31. UTEP was able to climb back to a double-digit lead, 44-34, with 12:03 remaining. The Miners went up 16, 55-39, for their largest lead of the game with 8:06 on the clock after a layup from Corey Camper, Jr. A 14-6 run for the Spartans put them within eight, 61-53, with 3:20 left. The score toggled back and forth in the final minutes and saw Giles drain the Spartans’ eighth three-pointer of the game for the final basket. It cut the deficit to six in UTEP’s eventual 64-58 victory.
BY THE NUMBERS
Malik Henry chipped in six points and six rebounds.
Joryam Saizonou also had six rebounds.
Polite III registered four assists to lead the game.
The Miners led in field goal percentage, 38.9-31.5, and three-point percentage, 38.1-32.0, while the Spartans had the advantage in free throw percentage, 88.9-66.7.
UTEP had the edge in points in the paint, 20-16, points off turnovers, 17-12, and bench points, 17-16.
UNCG had 12 second-chance points, while UTEP had eight.
RECORDS
UNCG: 3-4
UTEP: 5-2
TICKETS
To secure your tickets for UNCG men’s basketball home games click HERE for options including single games and group discounts, flex plans, and full season ticket options. The home basketball schedule includes eight (8) home games at First Horizon Coliseum and Six (6) home games at Fleming Gymnasium. To learn more about upcoming ticket promotions or to purchase over the phone call the UNCG Ticket Office at 336-334-3250.
PURCHASE UNCG GEAR
UNCGgear.com is your one-stop shop for all of your official UNCG merchandise! From apparel to accessories, there is something for everyone!
UP NEXT
UNCG will return home to host Triad foe, High Point on Tuesday, Dec. 3 in Fleming Gymnasium at 7:00 p.m. This will be the Spartans’ White Out Game, wear white!
The first 500 UNCG students will receive a white hat! Pre-game tailgate at the UNCG Middle College gym starting at 5 p.m. for UNCG students. UNCG students will receive free food, games and more! Seating is limited! Purchase your tickets today!
Courtesy of Denise Archetto
Assistant Athletic Director For Strategic Communications
UNC Greensboro