GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) women's basketball team secured a 55-51 victory over the Furman Paladins on Thursday night in Fleming Gymnasium in The Southern Conference (SoCon) action.
 
With today's win, UNCG improves to 12-0 at home and 9-1 in the SoCon. The 12-0 home record is the best home start in any regular season in UNCG women's basketball program history.  

Three Spartans reached double-figures in the contest. Nya Smith led the Spartans with 12 points. Jaila Lee and Jayde Gamble followed closely behind with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Furman's Chantelle Stuart got the scoring started with a driving layup at 8:25 for the 2-0 lead. Smith responded with a three-pointer on the other end for the 3-2 advantage. Kate Johnson put the 'Dins back on top with a hookshot at 7:46 just before a layup from Khalis Cain at 6:20 began a 6-0 run for the Spartans, 9-4.  Furman chipped in three-straight baskets to regain a 10-9 advantage. The Spartans scored seven consecutive points concluded with a three-pointer from Makiah Asidanya to give UNCG the 16-10 lead at the end of the frame.
 
Furman bounced back in the second quarter to begin the stanza with an 8-0 run for a 17-16 lead. Although the game tied on two occasions in the second quarter, Furman was able to hold UNCG from taking the lead for the remainder of the half. A free throw and three-pointer from Smith tied the game at 26-26 heading to the locker room.
 
Furman's Jada Session granted the 'Dins with a 28-26 lead with a layup coming out of the break. However, the Spartans retaliated with an 18-2 run to take a 44-30 advantage at 4:50 remaining in the third quarter. Furman fought back to stay within reach. Sydney Ryan launched a three-pointer with 58 seconds on the clock to cut Furman's deficit to nine, 48-39, going to the huddle.
 
The Paladins came out of the break to outscore UNCG 12-7 in the final frame. However, UNCG continued to maintain the lead. Furman cut the margin to one, 52-51, with 1:19 remaining in the game. Asidanya secured the final points for the Spartans at the charity stripe, granting UNCG with the 55-51 win.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Smith led the game with three triples.
• Asidanya chipped in for eight points.
• Cain paced the game with 14 rebounds for the ninth game this season with double-digit boards.
• Gamble led the contest with six dimes.
• UNCG bested Furman in bench points (22-9) and rebounds (35-34).
• The Paladins held the edge in points in the paint (36-30), points off turnovers (14-6) and fast break points (6-2).

RECORDS
UNCG: 18-6, 9-1 SoCon
Furman: 13-12, 3-6 SoCon
 
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UNCG Women's Basketball Ticket Information 
To secure your tickets for UNCG women's basketball home games click HERE for options including single games, group discounts and full season ticket options.  All 14 home games will be played on campus in Fleming Gymnasium. UNCG faculty/staff and students are free with their ID. To learn more about upcoming ticket promotions or to purchase over the phone call the UNCG Ticket Office at 336-334-3250. 
 
UP NEXT
The Spartans will continue at home by hosting Wofford on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in Fleming Gymnasium. Saturday's game will feature a Black History Month Celebration and Scout Day!