SPARTAN ESSENTIALS
Who: Vermont (5-2)
Where: Greensboro Coliseum | Greensboro, N.C.
When: Saturday, November 27 | 5 p.m. 
Watch (ESPN+) | Live Stats | Listen
Game Notes: UNCG | Vermont


GREENSBORO, N.C. – Saturday's rare late afternoon showdown between UNC Greensboro (UNCG) and Vermont offers a classic conflict between two elite men's basketball programs.
 
In the famous words of D.J. Khaled, all the Spartans and Catamounts have done since 2016 is win. These titans are accustomed to success as evidenced by the combined total of 253 victories, nine seasons of 20 or more wins, four NCAA Tournament appearances, & three NIT trips between these two proud programs over that span.
 
UNCG and Vermont are the gold standards in their respective leagues, Southern Conference and America East. Two years ago, in Burlington on the shores of Lake Champlain, the Spartans edged the Catamounts, 54-53.
 
Expect more of the same Saturday as they each enter this national blockbuster with identical 5-2 records. Both Vermont and UNCG pride themselves on tough, hard-nosed defense. It's the foundation of success for each squad. They attack their opponents like a swarm of angry bees.
 
Vermont allows 57.7 points per game while UNCG is giving up 65.1 points per outing.
 
Even though points promise to be at a premium, it will be beautiful to witness.
 
Game Promotion
Any Greensboro resident who buys a ticket, can get a second ticket for free. Fans must show proof of residence with a valid ID or bill.
 
Last Time Out

• J.C. Tharrington and Bas Leyte tallied career-high point totals to lead UNCG to an 80-61 win over North Carolina Wesleyan Wednesday.
• Ben Shungu drilled a game-winning jumper at the buzzer as Vermont defeated Appalachian State 65-63 on the final day of the Gulf Coast Showcase. 

 
A Look At UNCG

• Reggie Raynor's one-handed baseline dunk was the No. 5 play on ESPN's SportsCenter Top 10 during shows that aired late on Wednesday, Nov. 24 and early on Thursday, Nov. 25.
• UNCG is 3-0 at home this season and has won 77 games at the Greensboro Coliseum since 2015.
• De'Monte Buckingham (12.0 points per game) and Bas Leyte (10.0) are UNCG's leading scorers.
• Leyte has scored in double figures in two consecutive games.
• Kaleb Hunter (8.6) and Mohammed Abdulsalam (8.3) are also making key offensive contributions for the Spartans.
• The Spartans lead Division I in total rebounds with 318.
• UNCG is ranked fifth nationally in rebounding margin (15.7), 11th in rebounds per game (45.4), and 24th in defensive rebounds per game (30.3).
• Jalen White had 16 points and nine rebounds in the game against North Carolina Wesleyan.
• UNCG has already played three overtime games, tied for the most in a single-season.
• The Spartans have had scoring runs of nine or more consecutive points in their last six games. 

                9-0, 1st half at Northern Kentucky
                9-0, 1st half vs. Coppin State
                11-0, 2nd half vs. Green Bay
                13-0, 1st half vs. UMass
                11-0, 1st half vs. FIU
                13-0, 2nd half vs. North Carolina Wesleyan.
 
A Look At Vermont

• The Catamounts won the final two games of the Gulf Coast Showcase to claim fifth place.
• The Catamounts have been paced by balanced scoring through the early season.
• Ryan Davis is the engine that powers the Catamounts. He averages 16.5 points and 6.9 rebounds.
• Shungu (14.0 points) and Isaiah Powell (12.0) are key contributors for Vermont.
• Powell leads Vermont in rebounding at 7.0 per game.
• Each of Vermont's top scorers led the team in scoring in different games during the Gulf Coast Showcase.
• In the win over Appalachian State, Shungu fired in a team best 17 points.
• Vermont has yet to allow an opponent to score 70 points.
• The Catamounts losses were to Maryland on the road and a two-point setback to Oakland.

 
Up Next

• UNCG concludes its home stand when it hosts Elon on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.
• All fans attending that game are asked to wear gold.