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SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Wofford seized control early at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium and never looked back, delivering a confident performance in a 97‑85 win over UNC Greensboro Wednesday night. The Terriers matched energy with execution, turning early momentum into a commanding Southern Conference victory.
From the opening tip, Wofford attacked the rim and dictated tempo against a determined Spartanburg crowd. Wofford’s spacing and physicality disrupted UNC Greensboro’s early rhythm, forcing contested shots and turnovers. The Terriers fed off the home energy, moving the ball with purpose and punishing every defensive lapse.
Holmes Delivers Early Punch
Kahmare Holmes set the tone for Wofford with relentless aggression. He poured in 18 first‑half points, using strength and quickness to score in transition and around the basket. Holmes finished the night with 27 points and four rebounds, shooting efficiently and converting trips to the line to keep the lead growing.
Wofford’s offense clicked in waves, with sharp ball movement creating clean looks. Nils Machowski added 16 points, attacking the paint and knocking down jumpers when Greensboro sagged. Off the bench, Chace Watley chipped in 14 points, providing a spark during key moments when the starters rested.
Spartan Rally Falls Short
UNC Greensboro fought with grit, led by Justin Neely’s 26 points and nine rebounds. Neely used his size to score inside and on the boards, keeping the Spartans within striking distance. Valentino Pinedo added a double‑double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, swatting shots and contesting every possession. KJ Younger scored 13 points and grabbed six rebounds, showing urgency in transition.
Despite energetic bursts and crisp shooting, UNC Greensboro could not overturn Wofford’s early cushion. After falling behind by 20 at halftime, the Spartans trimmed the deficit in the second half with improved ball movement and tighter defense. However, every scoring run was met by a timely Wofford response.
Key Runs Define the Night
Wofford’s decisive stretch came late in the first half, when the Terriers extended their lead with a balanced 15‑4 run. Holmes led the charge with consecutive baskets and free throws, forcing UNCG to call timeout and regroup. The momentum carried into the second half, where Wofford answered every Spartan push.
UNC Greensboro rallied with a 10‑2 run early in the second half, sparked by Neely’s midrange jumper and Younger’s hustle rebounds. But Wofford’s bench stood firm, converting back‑to‑back threes and pushing the tempo in transition. Every time Greensboro cut the lead to single digits, Wofford’s depth and poise halted the surge.
What This Win Means
The victory improved Wofford to 11‑5 overall and 3‑0 in Southern Conference play, signaling the Terriers’ readiness to compete at the top of the league. Wofford’s balanced scoring and physical defense underscored its resilience at home.
UNC Greensboro falls to 6‑10 and 2‑1 in conference play, but showed flashes of offensive firepower and rebounding tenacity that could pay dividends later in the season.
Closing Scene
Wofford did not merely win — it imposed its will. With disciplined execution and timely scoring runs, the Terriers turned opportunity into dominance. For UNC Greensboro, the loss stings, but the Spartans’ effort lacked only consistency.
In Spartanburg tonight, Wofford wrote the first sentence — and controlled the rest of the story.
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