Box Score

James Maye scored a game-high 16 points and pulled down five rebounds to lead the UNC Greensboro men's basketball team to a hard fought 70-58 victory over Middle Tennessee, Saturday night in Fleming Gymnasium. With the victory, UNCG improves to 3-1 on the young season, while Middle Tennessee slips to 1-3.

In the first half, Maye (Sr./Kennesaw, GA) was the only player with a hot hand as he poured in 13 of his game-high 16, while knocking down 2-of-4 from behind the 3-point line. UNCG pressured Middle Tennessee into 10 first half turnovers for a 36-24 lead at the intermission.

Middle Tennessee came out strong in the second half of play and immediately cut the lead in half, 38-32, at the 16:14 mark when Tommy Gunn connected on his first 3-point bucket of the evening. A pair of baskets by Maye and Tizzo Johnson (So./Havelock, NC) gave the Spartans back their double-digit lead, 43-32. Following a series of quick exchanges, the Spartans would once again grab a 10-point lead that they would not let go of.

Joining Maye in double-figures for the Spartans was Ronnie Taylor (Jr./Raleigh, NC) with 12. Johnson added 10 points and nine rebounds off the bench. Ronnie Burrell (So./Montclair, NJ) had an impressive game with six points, four blocked shots and a career-high 12 rebounds, including eight on the offensive end.

Leading the charge for the Blue Raiders was Napoleon Rhodes. The junior college transfer had his most impressive game for the Blue Raiders with 16 points and 20 rebounds. William Pippen scored 13 and Tommy Gunn added 12.

The Blue Raiders held a 41-39 advantage on the glass, but the Spartans blocked seven shots in the game.

The win is the Spartans' 15th consecutive home victory over a non-conference opponent. Over the course of the past three seasons, the Spartans are 24-2.

UNCG will return to action again on Tuesday, December 3, at Alabama. Tip-off is slated for 8:30 (EST) in Tuscaloosa, AL. Middle Tennessee returns home to face Tennessee Tech on December 3.