Final Stats

GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Western Carolina men’s basketball team dropped its first Southern Conference road game of the season Saturday night at UNCG, 76-57. After trailing by just six points at the half, the Catamounts saw the Spartans pull away in the second period for the 19 point victory. Two Catamounts scored in double-figures including junior Haboubacar Mutombo and freshman Onno Steger.

Mutombo finished with 14 points in the contest while dishing out four assists and grabbing a pair of rebounds. Steger, who connected on a pair of 3-pointers, finished with 10 points, four rebounds and a pair of steals.

Freshman Adam Sledd came up just short of double-figures with nine points, five of which came from the free throw line. He also led the team on the boards with five rebounds. Sophomore Elijah Pughsley, who drained two 3-pointers, finished with eight points and a pair of steals.

The loss drops WCU to 0-3 in SoCon play for just the second time under the leadership of head coach Larry Hunter. WCU is 5-11 overall. The Spartans improved to 3-1 in league action and 12-5 overall.

The Spartans led by as many as 11 points in the opening half but a late surge by the Catamounts cut the lead to just six at the halftime break, 38-32. Sophomore guard Francis Alonso scored 19 of UNCG’s 38 first half points.

WCU was able to hold Alonso to just two second half points but WCU’s offense was unable to capitalize on the strong defensive effort. The Catamounts shot just 31.3 percent from the field in the second half including going 1-of-5 from 3-point range. Despite Alonso going quiet, the rest of the Spartans shot 60.0 percent from the field in the second stanza with seven different players getting in on the scoring action. The strong shooting resulted in the Spartans outscoring the Catamounts 38-25.

The Catamounts were able to force 18 UNCG turnover while limiting their own mistakes to just 13 which led to a 17-12 advantage in points off turnovers. WCU also ripped down 18 offensive boards which led to 13 second chance points.

WCU will now get ready to travel to Lexington, Va., where the Catamounts will take VMI who have also opened up conference play with an 0-3 record with losses at ETSU, Mercer and The Citadel. The Catamounts and Keydets will do battle Thursday (Jan. 12) night at 7 pm.