JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - Senior forward Te'ja Twitty made UNCG women's basketball history in Saturday afternoon's 65-45 win vs. ETSU. With 14 points and 13 rebounds, the Rutherfordton, N.C. native set a new program career record with 25 double doubles (six in 2019-20). Nadine Soliman led all players with 29 points, as she outscored the Bucs 13-11 in the first half. Alexus Willey added nine points in her second start of the season. 

"I am really proud of our team's urgent approach to handling a setback, said head coach Trina Patterson. "Our determination to defend and rebound was outstanding."


UNCG (17-7, 6-3) held the Bucs (8-16, 3-6) to a 4-of-22 mark from the floor in the first half. Soliman was aggressive, going 5-for-10 with five rebounds. Alexis Pitchford once again found multiple ways to impact the game. With five points, three assists and a season-high five rebounds, she continued to display her high basketball IQ for a Spartans team seeking their first SoCon championship since 1998. 

Soliman was ready to put the game out of reach and not give the Bucs any chance to get within striking distance. Despite back-to-back threes from the Cairo native, ETSU found a little momentum and sprung off an 11-0 run midway through final period. There was a bit of a "don't look now" situation, as ETSU got within 13 with just over three minutes to play. Willey, a player who's always playing with a calm, cool and collected approach, knocked down her third trey of the contest and UNCG won the tug of war in the closing minutes.

COACH PATTERSON POSTGAME:

ON WIN
"I am really proud of our team's urgent approach to handling a setback, said head coach Trina Patterson. "Our determination to defend and rebound was outstanding."

ON TWITTY'S DOUBLE-DOUBLES RECORD
"Te'ja is a phenomenal player. To be named the all-time leader in double-doubles in scoring and rebounding is remarkable. It is a testament to her hard work and pursuit of excellence. Congratulations, Te'ja on a great career."

THINGS TO KNOW
-- The Spartans coughed up a season-low eight turnovers; Caused 20 ETSU turnovers, tied for the most they've forced in SoCon action this season (1/20 vs. ETSU)
-- With a trio of threes on the afternoon, Alexus Willey continues to cement herself in Spartans history as one of the best pure shooters to wear UNCG blue & gold; she currently leads the team with 46 three-pointers made this season 


UP NEXT
The Spartans will have a week to prepare for a matchup at Western Carolina, next Saturday at 2 p.m. Earlier this season, UNCG topped the Catamounts, 54-43, in Greensboro, Willey led with 12 points and four threes. Twitty added nine points and 12 rebounds.

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.