DM: UNCG preview

The 'Cats are coming off of a strong performance against a weak team. Furman, despite posting a solid upset on their home floor last week, posed no problem for Davidson on Saturday.

The solid upset to Furman's credit? UNCG -- Davidson's Tuesday night opponent.

But the loss the Spartans suffered at the hands of a weak Furman squad says much more about UNCG's inconsistency than it does about any fluky Paladin strength. UNCG can lead Davidson by 20 in the first half while shooting 69.6% from the field, but can also drop an away contest in Greenville and struggle to knock off the Citadel, the SoCon's worst team.

But which UNCG team will show up on Tuesday night?

One thing is certain: both teams will be out for blood. In front of a national audience, Davidson will look to make a case for that hypothetical at-large bid and to avenge a near-loss to UNCG last time around. UNCG will hope to prove that they deserved to beat the Wildcats less than a week ago.

UNCG breakdown:

Leading Scorer (19.5 pts/gm):
#42 Kyle Hines (Sr.) - 6' 6" Forward

3-point Threats:
#4 Mikko Koivisto (So.) - 6' 4" Guard (56 for 135 on the season)
#15 Kendall Toney (So.) - 6' 3" Guard (43 for 106 on the season)
#20 Kevin Oleksiak (Sr.) - 6' 4" Guard (38 for 107 on the season)


Big Men:
#42 Kyle Hines (Sr.) - 6' 6" Forward
#24 Ben Stywall (So.) - 6' 5" Forward

Last Game:
79 - 55 WIN at home against App State

Last Meeting against Davidson:
78 - 83 DAVIDSON WIN in Greensboro

Prose:
Kyle Hines, last year's SoCon POY, will try and put the Spartans on his back. Hines is coming off of a 26-point effort against the Mountaineers in just 27 minutes on the floor. The 'Cats will need to put Hines in the position to commit fouls early and often -- the fewer minutes Hines can donate, the better.

The difference in this one might be Thomas Sander. The Wildcat "General" was in street clothes last week and the 'Cats missed his ability to body up effectively on post threats. Having faced Tyler Hansbrough (UNC) and Kevin Love (UCLA) already this season, a healthy Sander is more than equipped to handle Hines down low. Go 'Cats.

--DM