Spartans win exhibition opener

The UNCG Women’s Basketball team opened their first exhibition game at home on Saturday in Fleming Gymnasium.   Starting off with a win, the Spartans defeated the Rams of Winston-Salem State University in a tight finish, 55-52.

“We won. The goal when we play is to win. We played well in spurts,” Coach Lynne Agee commented. “I was disappointed in our rebounding and free throw shooting.  I thought we had a decent effort, but we have a lot of work to do.”

The game started off slow for both teams offensively, having only 22 total points on the board with around five minutes remaining in the first half of play.  Defensively, the Spartans started out strong and held their ground in the first half, allowing less than 30 points to be scored. It was not their best rebounding effort, but they managed to out-rebound the Rams 44-41 on the afternoon. 

The Spartans went into the break winning 28-21, their largest lead of the game.  In the second half, the pace of the game picked up.  Winston-Salem State came out of the half ready to compete.    There was a much better offensive effort from both teams as the Rams and the Spartans traded points.  The Rams exploded offensively putting the Spartans on their heels with good efforts in the paint. 

With 9 minutes remaining in the game, a Lady Rams layup put WSSU over the Spartans for the first time since the first half, 45-44.  This game changer made for an exciting finish as Winston-Salem State went on a streak putting them up by as much as four points. 

With two minutes left, Senior Monique Floyd put up a layup putting the Spartans within 2.  Sophomore Dayshaun Richbow brought it all together for UNCG when she nailed a jumper with 1:38 to play and then created a Rams turnover on the inbounds play to assist Floyd on a layup.  Floyd was fouled giving her the chance for the three-point play, putting the Spartans up 2 with about a minute to play.  UNCG rallied and stepped up their play, to shut the Rams down.  Holding the ball with one minute to play, a big rebound reset the shot clock and forced WSSU to foul.  Shooting only 33 percent at the line, the Spartans, made just enough free throws to seal the win, beating the Rams 55-52. 

The Spartan freshman got in good minutes and contributed well to the game.  UNCG’s four freshman, Breonna Patterson, Janae’ Stevenson, Nneka Aquruoy and Colleen Nosovitch combined for a total of 20 points. 

Monique Floyd had 17 points and 10 rebounds in the exhibition, which Coach Agee called, “an outstanding performance by a senior to lead us.”  Floyd’s points and rebound totals were both game highs.  She also contributed to 4 of the 9 UNCG steals on the afternoon. 

The Spartans will start their Season on Friday, November 12th when they travel to Clemson.