CULLOWHEE, N.C. - The UNCG women's basketball team surged past the Western Carolina Catamounts, 72-61, Saturday afternoon at the Ramsey Center. Spartans'
Nadine Soliman led all players with 26 points and six rebounds to earn her third consecutive 20+ point performance. With the win, UNCG remains in the mix for the top spot in the Southern Conference.
Te'ja Twitty continued her dominance for the Spartans. The senior has become a sure-bet producer all over the court for UNCG, as she collected her 26th career double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Head Coach
Trina Patterson was quick to recognize the Spartans' ability to come out of the break with a sense of urgency and ability to make plays.
"We showed growth today, as we bounced back with energy and execution when we came out for the third quarter," said Patterson.
Three players scored in double-digits for Western Carolina, led by Andrea Martin Ruiz with 19 points.
A pair of back-to-back threes from Western's Lauren LaPlant (16pts) pushed the Cat's lead to seven with just under two minutes to play in the opening period. Out of a timeout, the Spartans answered with a quick four points from Soliman and Willey. The Catamounts kept up their attack, with Jewel Smalls (14pts, 12rebs) connecting on a three from the corner to keep the lead at six.
Soliman took advantage of the defensive lapse by the Catamounts and sunk a wide-open three. Western uses an 10-0 run and a pair of threes from Smalls to create their biggest lead, 28-15.
UNCG responded with a 9-0 run down the stretch of the first half. Willey drained a three from the left corner, followed by a pull-up jumper from the elbow to give the Spartans some swagger as they went to the locker room, down 28-33.
Both teams came out aggressive in the third. Each side responded on four-straight offensive possessions to create an onslaught of point production. Willey continued to see the rim well, connecting on another shot from three-point land. Martin Luiz highlighted the Catamount's run with a driving layup for the three-point play conversion.
Everything was falling in the third period, as both teams shot over 80 percent from the floor through the first five minutes. Going back to the first half, UNCG had made 11 of their last 12 shots by the 4:48 mark in the third.
"We have struggled with the start of the third in previous games so I am pleased with the adjustments we made," Patterson added. "Lex (
Alexus Willey) and Tori (Powell) were outstanding leading the way with our bench outscoring Western Carolina, 22-0."
The Spartans began to click on all cylinders heading to the fourth. Who other than Soliman and Willey to get UNCG back in front for the first time since a 6-5 lead in the first quarter.
Tori Powell put the exclamation point on the quarter, sinking a three at the buzzer to keep the momentum on their side headed to the final period. On a 23-5 run over nearly 10 minutes, the Spartans kept their foot on the gas pedal, getting everyone involved and crashing the basket with authority.
The Catamounts continued to battle, making the Spartans earn it on offense, and attacking in the low post. The final couple minutes belonged to Soliman. The senior guard scored eight straight points for UNCG, sealing another pivotal SoCon victory.
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.
UP NEXT
The Spartans will host the Wofford Terriers in another crucial matchup as we wind down the regular season. Tip-off is set for Thursday, February 20th at 7 p.m. inside Fleming Gymnasium. Led by Chloe Wanink (16.0 ppg), Wofford dropped a home contest to Chattanooga on Saturday (Feb. 15).
