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Spartans announce 2011-12 men’s basketball schedule
GREENSBORO, N.C. – An appearance in the Maui Invitational, home games with East Carolina and 2011 Final Four participant VCU, and road games at Duke, Florida State and Miami (Fla.) highlight UNCG's 2011-12 men's basketball schedule, announced today by head coach Mike Dement.
In all, the Spartans are slated to play 30 regular season contests including 12 home games, all at Greensboro Coliseum. In addition to a full slate of Southern Conference games, UNCG will square off against cross-town rival North Carolina A&T in late November at the Coliseum.
"The last two years we've played one of the top non-conference schedules in the country, which has helped to enhance our program's profile. This year is no different," said Dement. "We have games against teams from the ACC, Big East, SEC, a 2011 Final Four squad and challenging contests against in-state foes like UNC Pembroke, East Carolina and North Carolina A&T. We intend for these games to ultimately help prepare us for success in Southern Conference play."
As part of the Maui Invitational, the Spartans will play games at Tennessee (Nov. 11) and Georgetown (Nov. 14) before participating in mainland regional games in Murfreesboro, Tenn., in a field which includes MTSU, Belmont and Towson. UNCG faces Middle Tennessee in the regional's opening game on Nov. 19.
Following an exhibition game against Greensboro College (Nov. 3) at Fleming Gymnasium, the Spartans open the regular season on Friday, Nov. 11 when they visit Tennessee as part of the Maui Invitational, which continues for UNCG in a single game at Georgetown on Nov. 14.
The Spartans open the home portion of their schedule when they host UNC Pembroke on Thursday, Nov. 17, then resume Maui Invitational play, Nov. 19-20.
UNCG faces off against intra-city rival North Carolina A&T on Nov. 28 at the Coliseum, before opening SoCon play with a road trip to Appalachian State (Dec.1) and Western Carolina (Dec. 3).
Conference play continues with a home game against Elon (Dec. 5), and UNCG resumes non-conference play with a road game against Florida State (Dec. 11) and a home contest versus East Carolina (Dec. 16).
The Spartans make their second visit to Cameron Indoor Stadium in the last three seasons when they visit Duke on Dec. 19, before returning to the Coliseum where they host VCU on Dec. 22. UNCG closes out 2011 at Richmond on Dec. 30.
After opening the New Year at Miami (Jan. 2), the Spartans return to SoCon play full-time by hosting Davidson (Jan. 5). UNCG hosts five straight home games between Jan. 19 and Feb. 2 before playing five of their last seven on the road. The Spartans end the regular season on Feb. 25 at Elon.
"As important as this stretch will be for us, the three straight SoCon games in December are just as critical," said Dement. "We want to be a more consistent team at home this year and we need to take advantage of this opportunity."
The 2011 Southern Conference Tournament is scheduled for March 2-5 in Asheville.
The Spartans return four starters and several key reserves from last season's squad, including 2011 Southern Conference All-Freshman team honoree Trevis Simpson. In 27 games, including nine starts, the 6-4 swingman averaged 11.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Other returning starters include 6-10 senior center Aloysius Henry (9.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and junior point guard Kyle Randall (9.4 ppg, 103 assists). Forward Aaron Brackett (7.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and guard Korey Van Dussen (8.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg) also return.
Season ticket renewals are in progress. For more information, call the UNCG Ticket Office at 336-334-3250.
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