CARROLLTON, Ga. - Fueled by 45 second-half points, West Georgia basketball ran away with a 75-63 win over the North Alabama Lions to end the regular season on a two-game winning streak.
In the 74th meeting of the Wolves (14-16, 8-10 ASUN) most storied ASUN rivalries, UWG powered their way to 39th victory over UNA (9-20, 4-14 ASUN) thanks to a complete team effort on Senior Day.
In his final game in the Coliseum, Shelton Williams-Dryden led the Wolves with 30 points on 75 percent shooting (12-16). Kolten Griffin also shined in his final game at home, dropping 15 points. Malcolm Noel led the Wolves with seven rebounds and three steals while not committing a turnover in his last game in The Coliseum. See what else stood out for UWG by scrolling down to notable numbers.
"There is nothing like being at West Georgia," said Noel following the game. "Like KG (Griffin) said, I grew up here. I became a man here. He (Dave Moore) taught me so much. Coach Andy Young, Willie Evans and Mark Schult they have all poured into me, poured into my family. They gave me the opportunity to do something special here. I'll always be thankful for that."
Talking about today's win in the post-game press conference, head coach
Dave Moore said, "Just proud of the guys, proud of the group, proud of our seniors for how hard they played, and for how much it means to them. We got a really good group, special group of seniors that have come through a lot here." The full post game presser can be found at the bottom of the page.
Using effective and decisive ball movement, UWG opened the game by setting up three-pointers for seniors Matija Žužić and Williams-Dryden, allowing them to knock down shots to give the Wolves an early advantage. With 12 minutes remaining in the half, UWG led 14-5.
Shooting at over 60 percent from the field using an even distribution, combined with the Pack smothering North Alabama's shots, UWG continued to hold a big lead over the visitors.
Over the following four-minute stretch, the teams traded scores, but UWG continued to lead by double-digits in part thanks to the Wolves swatting away a notably high seven blocks. At this point, five different Wolves had recorded a block, with Kenneth Chime's three leading the way.
With the Pack going on a three-minute cold spell, UNA dashed the advantage to 30-25 by halftime. At the break, Williams-Dryden's 11 points led the way for UWG.
UNA opened the second half locking the game up at 30-30, but back-to-back three pointers from Griffin put the Pack back out in front.
Fueled by this offensive spark, UWG continued to pull away from the visitors. At the under 12 minute media break, West Georgia led 51-42.
With Griffin pushing the pace with his third three-pointer of the half, UWG built a 60-49 lead at the under eight minute mark.
UWG continued to punish the Lions on both sides of the floor. Like a man on a mission, Williams-Dryden put back multiple shots off offensive rebounds to add to his already impressive total.
With less than five minutes left, UWG led 67-51.
UWG finished the game cruising to a 75-63 win over North Alabama.
With the regular season officially over, UWG is set to compete in the ASUN Championship Tournament next week in Jacksonville, Florida. Follow the team's social media accounts @UWG_MBB for up-to-date news on when and where the Wolves will play in Florida.
NOTABLE NUMBERS
-Chime finished with a career-high six blocks and 13 rebounds.
-Williams-Dryden recorded his third 30-point performance of the season.
-With today's win marking the eighth ASUN win of the season, UWG doubled last year's total.
-UWG won the rebound battle 39-29.
- The Wolves shot 50 percent from the field, 30 percent from three and hit all 11 of their free throws. UNA shot 35 percent from the field, 21 percent from three and 82 percent from the line.
