BIRMINGHAM, Ala.  – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) women's basketball team took a 62-53 loss at Samford on Saturday afternoon in the Pete Hanna Center.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Ayanna Khalfani scored the first basket of the game on a faastbreak layup  which began an 8-2 run for the Spartans.  UNCG continued to control the first quarter after recording seven unanswered points that was concluded with a three-pointer from Jayde Gamble to give the squad an 11-point advantage over the Bulldogs (15-4). However, Samford responded with 12 unanswered points to take a one-point lead over the Spartans (16-15). A three-point play from Gamble, followed by a jumper from Samford's Alonya Walon ended the first frame all tied up at 18.
 
A layup from Isys Grady began a 6-0 run for the Spartans to start the second quarter to keep Samford from leading in the remainder of the first half. With 1:37 remaining, a layup from Gamble and a jumper from the Bulldogs' Carly Heidger put UNCG up 32-25 heading into the locker room.
 
Samford came out of the break dropping an 18-3 run to begin the second half Samford outscored UNCG 22-7 in the third quarter. Samford remained in control heading into the final period, 47-39.
 
The fourth quarter was a mostly even battle between the Bulldogs and Spartans with Samford only beating out UNCG 15-14 in the final frame. The final quarter started with a jumper from Khalfani to put the Spartans back within six (41-47).  However, it wouldn't be enough for UNCG to pull away from Samford's lead created from the third quarter. One final free throw from Waldon gave Samford the 62-53 victory.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Gamble paced both teams with 20 points.
• Kelly Boyle posted a new career high of 10 points for the Spartans.
• Khalfani led the way with three steals.
• Gamble and Grady combined for eight assists.
• Khalis Cain and Jay'lin Hastings captured two blocks apiece.
• UNCG collected 11 fast break points to Samford's two.
• The Spartans registered eight blocks to the Bulldogs' one.

RECORDS
UNCG: 13-6, 2-2, SoCon
Samford: 10-9, 2-2, SoCon
 
UP NEXT
The Spartans will return to Fleming Gym next week to host Chattanooga on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. and ETSU on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 1 p.m.

Thursday's game will be the March of Dimes Game and the first 100 UNCG students there will receive a free UNCG key tag! At Saturday's game, the first 100 students will receive a FREE UNCG tote bag! In addition, it will be Guilford County Schools Teacher Appreciation Game! Guilford County Schools Teachers receive FREE admission with a valid work ID to the game and their guests receive the discounted ticket rate of only $3. Contact the ticket office for more information.

To purchase tickets for any home games for the  2023-24 UNCG women's basketball season, click here to learn more or call the UNCG Athletics Ticket Office at (336) 334-3250.

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