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UNCG Spartans hosted the ETSU Bucs on Saturday, February 21st, with a 4pm tipoff. The Bucs have had a solid 7-5 record when away from Freedom Hall, meanwhile the Spartans are 8-5 when on their own court in Greensboro, NC. Coming off of a loss to Western, UNCG is seeking to reignite their hot streak. However, The Bucs are still holding down the lead in the SoCon and striving to maintain that.
First Half Powerhouse
Strothers, Taylor II, Barkley, Morris III and McCullum started for The Bucs. Out of the gate, Brian Taylor II was making plays and helping The Bucs to take the lead. Taylor led at the half with 10 points, 1 rebound and 2 assists. Cam Morris III and Barkley both performed well. Morris III generating 7 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist. Meanwhile Barkley went also for 7 points and forced 2 rebounds. The Bucs overall in the first half went 15-29 for FG’s, 4-11 on 3’s, and 5-11 for FT’s. ETSU excelled at creating points off of turnovers (13), 12 rebounds and forcing 4 steals.
However, The Spartans kept up to speed and went 14-24 for FG’s, 3-9 on 3’s, and 5-6 on FT’s. UNCG gave up 8 turnovers, only 5 points from turnovers, and also had 4 steals. By the end of the first half, The Bucs remained ahead 39-36.
Second Half Shootout
The Bucs in the second half undoubtedly were fired up to take home the road win. Across the board, there were more assists (9), more points in the paint (24), and higher scoring as a team (48). Brian Taylor was key in the second half, and the only player for either team to attempt and make 100% of FG’s and 3’s. Taylor went 6-6 on FG’s, 3-3 on 3’s, and make a rebound. Jaylen Smith was a key contributor also, with 9 points, 4 assists and a rebound.
Additionally, a highlight to definitely make is Allen Strothers. The Senior Guard hit a career 300 assists this evening in Greensboro. This milestone makes him the 9th player in ETSU history to have 300 assists.
The Bucs wrapped this matchup with a victory, 87-75. The Bucs ended the contest shooting 60% for FG’s, 45% for 3’s, and 86% for FT’s. Additionally, ETSU had 26 rebounds, 2 blocks, 7 steals, and 18 point off of turnovers.
Next up for The Bucs
Next Wednesday The Bucs will host Wofford Bulldogs (10-5 in the SoCon) at Freedom Hall in Johnson City. This contest will be at 7pm, and can be watched on ESPN+.
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