UNC Greensboro secured a narrow 69-66 win over The Citadel at Bodford Arena, thanks in large part to a standout performance from Justin Neely. The UNC Greensboro forward posted an impressive 23 points and 16 rebounds, leading his team to a much-needed victory. Neely's dominance on the glass and in the paint was a key factor in the outcome, as UNC Greensboro struggled to find consistency on offense.
The Citadel came out strong, taking a 33-19 lead into halftime. Braxton Williams was unstoppable in the first half, scoring 15 of his 25 points to pace The Citadel. However, UNC Greensboro adjusted its defense and began to chip away at the deficit in the second half. Lilian Marville and Valentino Pinedo provided crucial support for Neely, scoring 15 and 10 points, respectively, to help UNC Greensboro mount a comeback.
As the game wore on, the intensity picked up, with both teams trading baskets and playing tenacious defense. The Citadel's Carter Kingsbury and Christian Moore made key contributions, but it wasn't enough to overcome Neely's impressive outing. With the score tied and only minutes remaining, UNC Greensboro managed to pull ahead, thanks to Neely's clutch rebounding and scoring.
The win marks a significant boost for UNC Greensboro's resume, as it adds a Quadrant 4 victory to its portfolio. While the outcome may not have major implications for the tournament picture, it does provide a much-needed confidence boost for a team looking to build momentum. For The Citadel, the loss is a tough pill to swallow, as it falls to 6-14 on the season and suffers another Quadrant 4 defeat.
The Citadel's Braxton Williams was outstanding, scoring 25 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of UNC Greensboro. Williams' performance was a reflection of his skill and determination, but ultimately, Neely's dominance was the difference-maker.
As the season progresses, UNC Greensboro want to build on this hard-fought victory, using it as a springboard to improve its tournament chances. With a current net ranking of 307, UNC Greensboro still has work to do to become a serious contender. However, with performances like Neely's, the team has shown glimpses of its potential. The loss drops The Citadel to a net ranking of 353, making its path to a potential tournament bid even more daunting.
This result will likely have a lasting impact on the resumes of both teams, as they continue to navigate their respective schedules. For UNC Greensboro, the win provides a crucial boost, while The Citadel want to regroup and refocus in its pursuit of a stronger finish to the season.