PREVIEW: Men's Basketball Battles GSW, UNCP at Home

2/4/2020 8:26:00 PM | By: UNG Athletic Communications

Week 12
vs. Georgia Southwestern
Date: February 5
Tipoff: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Dahlonega, Ga.
Arena: Convocation Center
Series: GSW leads, 24-12
Game Coverage: Live Stats | Live Video | Live Audio

vs. UNC Pembroke
Date: February 8
Tipoff: 3:30 p.m.
Location: Dahlonega, Ga.
Arena: Convocation Center
Series: UNCP leads, 12-10
Game Coverage: Live Stats | Live Video | Live Audio

Game Preview: The University of North Georgia men's basketball team returns home for back-to-back games this week, starting with a Wednesday night showdown with Georgia Southwestern before Saturday's matchup with UNC Pembroke.

Promotions: Prior to Wednesday's game, Tshimanga will be presented with a commemorative basketball marking his entry into the 1,000 point club. He hit the milestone point against USC Aiken on December 15. • Wednesday's game will serve as part of Faculty Staff Appreciation Night and Champions Night in Dahlonega. Saturday will be part of the PBC's Officials Appreciation Week.

Nighthawks on the Web: Nighthawk fans not able to make it to the UNG Convocation Center this week can follow along through streaming on YouTube and Facebook, local cable television (Windstream cable channels 78.12 and HD channel 890), live statistics on UNGAthletics.com and on all social media platforms. The game will also be simulcast live on the flagship radio station of North Georgia basketball, Glory 97.9 FM and AM 1330. Fans can also follow the action through Twitter by following the men's basketball team (@UNGMBB).

Last Week: The Nighthawks defeated Young Harris by a single point last week before falling to USC Aiken by seven.

Scouting Georgia Southwestern: Georgia Southwestern comes into Wednesday's matchup at 8-10 and 3-9 in league play. On a four-game losing streak, the Hurricanes are 1-7 away from the Storm Dome. Four 'Canes are in double figures this season, led by Jamari Dean's 17.7 points per game. Georgia Southwestern leads the all-time series, 24-12, but North Georgia had the last win in the series, defeating the Hurricanes in the Storm Dome, 72-65, in overtime back on January 8. Two straight matchups have gone to overtime between the two teams. Ephraim Tshimanga was the Nighthawks' leading scorer with 17 points in the last showdown.

Scouting UNC Pembroke: UNC Pembroke is 16-4 on the year and 10-2 in league play. The Braves are on a six-game winning streak and are an impressive 7-2 away from home. At No. 23 in the latest D2SIDA Media Poll, the Braves are led by Tyrell Kirk's 14.1 points per game. North Georgia is 10-12 against UNCP all-time and have lost 10 of the last 12 matchups. The Braves took advantage of a cold shooting afternoon for UNG back in December, winning 76-46 in Pembroke. Tshimanga was the only North Georgia player to score double figures in the game, putting up 10 points.

Stats: North Georgia is second in the Peach Belt Conference in scoring defense, holding opponents to 75.2 points per contest. The Nighthawks are just 1.7 points per game behind UNC Pembroke for the league lead in the statistical category. Ephraim Tshimanga is third in Division II in steals per game, leading the PBC with 3.05 takeaways per contest. He is also tops in the league and fourth nationally in total steals with 58.

Print Friendly Version

Related Videos

Related Stories