In a high-scoring Southern Conference matchup, UNC Greensboro secured a crucial 99-89 victory over Wofford on Saturday night at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. The win propelled the Spartans to a 12-15 overall record and an 8-6 mark in conference play, keeping their postseason hopes alive in a competitive league race.
Leading the charge for UNC Greensboro was forward Justin Neely, who delivered a standout performance with 29 points and 16 rebounds, earning a double-double that proved pivotal in the Spartans' offensive and defensive efforts. According to game reports, Neely's dominance on the boards helped UNC Greensboro outrebound Wofford 42-38, providing second-chance opportunities that fueled their scoring run in the second half.
KJ Younger complemented Neely's efforts with 22 points, shooting efficiently at 6-for-10 from the field, including 4-for-5 from beyond the three-point arc, and adding 6-of-9 from the free-throw line. His perimeter shooting opened up the floor for the Spartans' inside game, as noted in post-game analyses from Associated Press reports.
Valentino Pinedo contributed 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field and a perfect 5-for-6 from the foul line, providing steady scoring from the bench. Meanwhile, Lilian Marville rounded out the key contributors with 13 points and seven assists, showcasing his playmaking ability that connected the Spartans' offense throughout the contest.
For Wofford, the loss dropped them to 17-10 overall and 9-5 in the Southern Conference, a setback in what has been a strong season for the Terriers. Nils Machowski led Wofford with a double-double of his own, posting 24 points and 13 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome Greensboro's balanced attack.
Maximo Ortega added 19 points for the Terriers, while Cayden Vasko chipped in 16 points, including several key threes that kept the game close early on. Despite their efforts, Wofford struggled with turnovers in the final minutes, allowing UNC Greensboro to pull away after a tied score midway through the second half.
The game, part of the Southern Conference's regular-season schedule, highlighted the intensity of the league, where both teams entered with playoff aspirations. UNC Greensboro, under head coach Mike Jones, has been rebuilding after a challenging non-conference slate, using wins like this to climb the standings.
Wofford, coached by Jay McAuley, had been on a hot streak prior to the loss, winning seven of their last nine games. This matchup was seen as a measuring stick for both squads, with the Terriers aiming to solidify their position near the top of the conference.
According to data from Sportradar, UNC Greensboro shot 48% from the field overall, compared to Wofford's 45%, but the Spartans' edge in free throws—made 25-of-32 versus Wofford's 18-of-24—proved decisive. The game featured 18 lead changes and five ties, underscoring the back-and-forth nature of the contest.
In the first half, Wofford jumped out to an early lead, fueled by Machowski's inside presence and Ortega's outside shooting. However, UNC Greensboro responded with a 15-4 run before halftime, capped by a Younger three-pointer, to take a slim 48-45 advantage into the locker room.
The second half saw Neely take over, scoring 18 of his 29 points after the break, including several putbacks off offensive rebounds. His performance drew comparisons to his earlier season-high efforts, as reported in league recaps, emphasizing his role as the Spartans' emotional leader.
As the clock wound down, Wofford mounted a late comeback attempt, narrowing the gap to five points with under two minutes remaining on a Vasko layup. But Marville's assist to Pinedo for a crucial three-point play sealed the win for Greensboro, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
This victory marks a turning point for UNC Greensboro, who have now won three of their last five conference games, improving their chances for a top-six seed in the upcoming Southern Conference tournament. The Spartans' next challenge comes against Furman on Thursday, where they'll look to build on Neely's momentum.
Wofford, meanwhile, will seek redemption in their rematch with UNC Greensboro later in the season, but first face Chattanooga on the road. The Terriers' coaching staff reportedly emphasized the need for better defensive rebounding in post-game discussions, pointing to areas for improvement.
In the broader context of college basketball, games like this illustrate the parity in mid-major conferences, where individual performances can swing seasons. The Associated Press, which compiled the official box score using Data Skrive technology, noted the game's high entertainment value, with both teams combining for over 180 points.
Looking ahead, the Southern Conference remains wide open, with five teams within two games of first place. UNC Greensboro's resilience in this win could boost their confidence as March approaches, while Wofford's loss serves as a reminder of the fine margins in playoff positioning.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching how these teams adjust, with Neely's double-double likely to be a talking point in upcoming previews. As the regular season progresses, expect more intense battles in this conference known for producing upsets and standout players.