GREENSBORO, N.C. – UNC Greensboro men's basketball will return to the Greensboro Coliseum on Saturday afternoon, as the Spartans host Chattanooga in the team's Southern Conference home opener.
Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.
Five Facts To Know
--The Spartans will be looking to set a new record for best start in program history in their game against Chattanooga, as this year's team is tied with the 1994-95 squad for the most victories (12) through 14 games. During the 1994-95 season, the Spartans started 12-2 before falling to Towson in the team's 15th game.
--A win would also give Head Coach Wes Miller his 125th victory with UNCG, setting a new record as the winningest coach in program history. Miller is currently tied with Mike Dement for the most victories at 124, but having reached that mark in 63 less games.
--The Spartans enter the game riding a 16-game home winning streak, which is the seventh longest streak in NCAA Division I play. It is also the new program record, as the Spartans surpassed the previous benchmark during a 111-33 victory over Greensboro College on Nov. 27.
--The Spartans will also be looking to start 2-0 in conference play for just the third time in the last 14 seasons. Last year, UNCG began SoCon play with back-to-back victories over Wofford and VMI. In 2004-05, the Spartans defeated Wofford and Appalachian State to begin conference play.
--Chattanooga enters the game with a 6-8 record, but the Mocs won their SoCon opener when they knocked off VMI earlier this month. In their most recent outing, the Mocs scored a 34-point victory over Bryan.
The Spartans In 2018
UNCG (12-2, 1-0) is looking to close out the first half of its 2018-19 schedule in historic fashion, as the Spartans could get off to the best start in program history if they're able to defeat Chattanooga.
The Spartans have already run off two five-game winning streaks this season, having done so from Nov. 13-27 – which was a six-game winning streak -- and then again from Dec. 1 to Dec. 22. The team's only two losses this season have come against ranked SEC competition.
In the SoCon opener against Samford, the Spartans erased a 12-point halftime deficit – the team's largest of the season – to storm back to claim an 83-75 victory behind senior guard Francis Alonso's 30 points. In the game, Alonso set program records for free throw attempts (21) and free throws made (17). He currently leads the team in scoring this season at 18.9 points per game.
Series History
This will be the 44th meeting between the two schools dating back to their first matchup on Jan. 6, 1992. The Spartans trail the all-time series 19-24, as the two schools have split their matchups in Greensboro 10-10.
Last season, the two schools split their meetings with each taking a victory on their home court.
Upcoming For The Spartans
The Spartans will hit the road for their next contest, as UNCG will face VMI in Lexington, Va., next Saturday for a 1 p.m. tip.
-- UNCG –
