GREENSBORO, N.C. - The UNCG women's basketball team (16-5, 5-1) escaped a gritty Mercer Bears squad with a late surge to get the 67-51 win, Thursday night. With tonight's win over the Bears, the Spartans are on an 11-game winning streak when playing in Fleming Gymnasium, their longest home streak in a single season since moving to Division I in 1991. Four players scored in double-digits for UNCG. Te'Ja Twitty led all Spartans with 15 points, along with Nadine Soliman's double-double of 12 points and 12 boards. Alexis Pitchford (season-high 10pts) and Aja Boyd (12pts) rounded out the team's top scorers. 

The Bears opened up an 11-4 lead to start Thursday night's contest before watching the Spartans score eight unanswered. Mercer would hit a pair of threes in the final 1:12 to take a 17-15 lead into the break, while forcing five UNCG turnovers in the opening period. Twitty would hit 2-of-4 in the quarter for a team-high five points, keeping the home team within a bucket before the break.

In a half that was highlighted by 15 lead changes, the Spartans would grab a 29-26 advantage with under four minutes remaining, but would see the visiting Bears pour out a 9-0 run to take a 35-29 lead into the third quarter. Mercer was sparked by 18 first half points from sophomore guard Amoria Neal-Tysor. Twitty finished the first 20 minutes with 11 points as the Spartans shot 40 percent in the opening half but surrendered 14 points off of turnovers before the whistle. 

The Spartans turned it on in the third quarter however, outscoring their opponents 20-10 in the period, while holding the Bears to just three field goals. The fourth quarter belonged to the G. Junior guard Cece Crudup, tallied five points in the final period. More importantly, her relentless defense shutting down Neal-Tysor was a key component in securing the victory. The Bears went cold down the stretch, shooting 2-for-16 in the fourth. Boyd came through once again in the low post, showing off her ability to get to the rim regardless of who draws her number on the defensive end.  

Coming Up Next
UNCG is back for another home matchup, hosting the Samford Bulldogs on Saturday at 4 p.m. Winners of four straight, the Bulldogs sit in a tie with the Spartans for first in the southern conference at 5-1.  

When the Spartans Win, You Win!  Stop by Bites and Pints Gastro Pub on Spring Garden Street and mention the Spartans win for 50% off an appetizer of your choice. Offer only lasts for 24 hours after the game.

--UNCG–