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UNCG Takes Out Mocs 77-72
The UNCG Spartans outlasted the UTC Mocs in an instant classic at Bodford Arena to open 2026 and SoCon play. Some clutch free throws and incredibly stiff defense down the stretch turned the tide for the Spartans after briefly losing the lead in the 2nd half. This game was very evenly matched from start to finish. This SoCon matchup between the Mocs and the defending champs saw 12 different lead changes, with no team getting a lead larger than 9.
Superstar
KJ Younger Jr. led the way for the Spartans with an outstanding 24 point performance. Younger had 24 points on 7-14 shooting, 1-6 from three, and 9-11 from the free throw line. Younger also added 9 rebounds and a steal to cap off maybe his best performance so far this season. Not to be outdone, Justin Neely had 17 points with 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Donald Whitehead Jr. also scored in double figures, with 13 points on 4-9 shooting from the field.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
As a team, the Spartans shot 46% from the field, 32% from three, and 68% from the free throw line. UNCG held the Mocs to 47% from the field, 31% from beyond the arc, and 56% from the charity stripe. The Spartans were also able to outrebound the Mocs 41-25, with 14 of those coming on the offensive glass. The big factor here for UNCG was getting production off the bench, as all 3 bench players who had double digit minutes also scored points.
SoCon Madness
The Spartans stay at home in Greensboro in their next game as they face Samford on Saturday at 4pm EST on ESPN+. UNCG moves to 5-9 on the season and 1-0 in SoCon play. This year has not gone according to plan for the Spartans, as expectations were high following the success of last season. Despite the slow start, it seems like Coach Jones has the Spartans more than ready for the SoCon gauntlet.
Photography courtesy of Abigail McFadden
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