GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men's basketball team won its fourth-straight win with a 59-48 victory over Mercer on Saturday evening at the Greensboro Coliseum in Southern Conference (SoCon) play.
The 7-1 record in SoCon play continues to match the Spartans' conference start during the 2018-19 season. This was the eighth win of the season by double figures. This was the 10th win in 13 games played, dating back to December 3, 2022 with a non-conference 65-61 win over Elon.
Mikeal Brown-Jones led the game with 17 points. Twelve of his 17 came in the last five minutes and 23 seconds.
Keondre Kennedy also had double digits, scoring 10 points.
From Brown-Jones
"This game was important for us because we had three in a row and we needed the fourth one. It was a big step for us as a team. It was a tough game and we found a way to win. I didn't want to lose at home. It was painful to lose against Samford. It was a great crowd and I am glad we performed for them. Thanks to all that came out. I do have to credit Mercer, they played us really well, but as a team we were able to get it done."
HOW IT HAPPENED
Mercer's lead lasted for three minutes early in the game, before UNCG tied the game for the third time at six.
Dante Treacy's three pointer put the Spartans' up three, 9-6. With a 13-9 run in favor of the Bears, UNCG tied the game following a free throw from
Jalen Breath and took the advantage with his second free throw, 20-19. The Spartans kept the lead for the remainder of the half, heading to the locker room with a five-point advantage, 29-24.
UNCG maintained the lead for the second half. Following the fifth tied score of game, where Mercer knotted the game at 44 with 6:39 left with a jumper from Shawn Walker Jr., UNCG went on a 15-4 run. On the offensive tilt, the Spartans secured the win with its largest lead of the game, an 11-point victory. This was the eighth win this season by double figures.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Keyshaun Langley's seven assists was a season high.
- Jalen Breath scored a career high eight points and six rebounds.
- The Spartans outmatched the Bears in field goal percentage (44.0-40.7), three point percentage (26.7-12.5), and free throw percentage (52.4-27.3).
- UNCG had 36 points in the paint compared to Mercer's 26. The Spartans' 31 fast break points also outmatched the Bears' 18.
RECORDS
UNCG: 13-8, 7-1 SoCon
Mercer: 7-12, 2-6 SoCon
UP NEXT
The Spartans continue their four-game home stand hosting VMI (Jan. 25), and Furman (Jan. 29).
It is Greek night and Community College night on Wednesday, Jan. 25.
