Box Score
Jay Joseph has scored 45 points in last two games |
GREENSBORO, NC – James Maye buried a 3-pointer with just 14 seconds remaining in overtime to lift UNC Greensboro past American, 80-79, Monday night in Fleming Gymnasium. With the victory, UNCG improves to 2-1 on the season, while American slips to 0-2.
With 12 seconds remaining in regulation, Ronnie Taylor (Jr./Raleigh, NC) connected on two crucial free throws to give UNCG a 70-67 advantage. Facing a three point deficit and time running out, American's Glenn Stokes, the smallest player on the court made the game's biggest play up to that point when his 3-point shot at the horn bounced three times before falling, to send the game into overtime.
In overtime, American came out and immediately took a 72-70 lead when Jemavis Draughn hit a layup. After a pair of Jay Joseph (Jr./North Wales, PA) free throws, Draughn hit another layup to again put the Eagles up by two, 74-72. Maye connected on a jumper to tie the game, but Stokes buried another key 3-pointer for American. With the Eagles clinging to a three-point advantage, Joseph knocked down a 3-pointer to tie the game at 77 apiece. The Eagles took their final lead of the night, when Stokes fed Patrick Okpwae underneath for an easy dunk, for a 79-77 lead.
Joseph led four Spartans in double figures with 18 points. Taylor scored 15 and handed out five assists, while Ray Bristow (Fr./Winston-Salem, NC) added 14 points in just 22 minutes. Maye (Sr./Kennesaw, GA) chipped in with 13 points, including the game-winning 3-pointer. Luke Boythe (Sr./Charlotte, NC) led the Spartans on the glass with 11 rebounds.
American's Stokes led all scorers with 25 points, while hitting 5-of-9 from behind the arc. Draughn recorded the game's only double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
With the victory, UNCG head coach Fran McCaffery moves into sole possession in all-time wins at UNCG. McCaffery is now 56-37 in his four years at the helm. Bob McEvoy (1984-91) is the all-time leader in wins with 92. The victory also improves the Spartans' home record to 23-2 over the course of the past three seasons.
The Spartans return home again on Saturday, November 30, against Middle Tennessee. Tipoff is set for 7 pm in Fleming Gymnasium. American travels to Virginia Tech on Friday, November 29.
