UNCG Men’s Basketball Defeats Lees-McRae, 91-84
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men’s basketball team overcame an eight-point second-half deficit to defeat Lees-McRae, 91-84, on Wednesday night inside Bodford Arena.
Dionte Neal led the Spartans with 26 points, eight assists and three steals, all career highs. RJ Greer added 15 points, including four three-pointers, while Ante Beljan contributed 14 points off the bench. Cameron Grant recorded his first-career double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds, along with three blocks.
HOW IT HAPPENED
UNCG scored the first four points before Lees-McRae responded to tie the game. Charles Barnes connected on two three-pointers as the Spartans built an early advantage, but the Bobcats answered to take a 19-16 lead. Greer knocked down three triples during the opening half to help UNCG stay in front through much of the period. The teams continued trading baskets late, until DJ Boyce’s three-pointer with 14 seconds remaining gave Lees-McRae a 48-46 halftime lead.
The Spartans regained the advantage early in the second half behind Greer’s three-pointer and three-point play. Lees-McRae responded with an 8-0 run to take its largest lead of the night, 67-59, with 12:28 remaining.
UNCG worked its way back, with Beljan scoring consecutive layups before Barnes made two free throws to tie the score at 72. Neal followed with a layup at 8:18 to put the Spartans ahead, 74-72.
The Bobcats reclaimed a 78-76 advantage, but Grant answered with back-to-back baskets. After Lees-McRae tied the game at 80 with 2:59 remaining, Neal sank two free throws and later connected from beyond the arc to give UNCG an 85-81 lead with 1:08 left. The Spartans made all six of their free throws over the final 44 seconds to secure the 91-84 victory.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
UNCG held a 41-39 rebounding advantage, including 17 offensive boards.
The Spartans outscored the Bobcats in second-chance points, 22-9, and points off turnovers, 21-9.
UNCG committed just six turnovers while forcing 13.
The Spartans shot 81.5 percent from the free throw line, making 22-of-27 attempts, compared to Lees-McRae’s 64.3 percent.
This is the fourth-straight game where four or more Spartans have scored double figures.
The game featured 16 ties and 18 lead changes.
Grant’s 13 rebounds was a new career high.
Greer’s four three-pointers matched his career best for the second time this year.
RECORDS
UNCG: 2-2
Lees-McRae: 0-0
UNCG BASKETBALL TICKET INFORMATION
To secure your tickets for UNCG basketball home games click HERE for options including single games and group discounts, flex plans, and full season ticket options. For more information about upcoming ticket promotions or to purchase over the phone call the UNCG Ticket Office at 336-334-3250 or email antemplin@uncg.edu.
WHAT’S NEXT
UNCG travels to Ithaca, New York, to face Cornell on Saturday, Nov. 14, inside Newman Arena at Bartels Hall. Tipoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.
Denise Archetto
Assistant Athletic Director For Strategic Communications
UNC Greensboro