BOONE, N.C. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) women's basketball team dropped its season opener by just two scoring possessions at App State on Monday, 71-65.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Ayanna Khalfani's layup at 8:58 put UNCG on the board first and started an 8-0 run, which gave the Spartans control for the majority of the opening half. The Mountaineers saw their only lead of the first half after coming off an 8-2 run to start the second quarter, 19-18. A quick jumper from
Isys Grady and UNCG was back on top (20-19). The Spartans stayed in control by two heading into the break (37-35).
App State found its stride in the second half. With UNCG up 41-39 in the contest, the Mountaineers put up six unanswered points to take a 45-41 lead. App State was able to maintain the lead for the remainder of the game. However, with the home team leading 68-59,
Jayde Gamble stole the ball and fed Khalfani for a fast break layup for a seven-point deficit, 68-61.
Isys Grady's 10th basket of the night brought the Spartans within five, 68-63 App State controlled the majority of the final possession until Gamble registered a steal before the clock expired but was unable to capture another score for the Spartans for the Mountaineers to earn the 71-65 win.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Grady led both teams by recording a new career game high of 23 points.
- Khalfani led the Spartans with six boards on the day and followed behind Grady with nine points.
- Gamble led the way with three steals.
- Antoniette Emma-Nnopu and Nina Horvath both registered one block apiece.
- Kelly Boyle, Joelle Davis and Nina Horvath all made their collegiate debuts.
- Khalfani and Gamble both made their Spartan debut.
- UNCG captured a 44 field-goal percentage to App State's 36 percent.
RECORDS
UNCG: 0-1
App State: 1-0
UP NEXT
The Spartans will open their home schedule up by taking on South Carolina State on Saturday, Nov. 11 at noon in Fleming Gymnasium.
