SPARTANBURG, S.C. (December 1, 2024) – Nothing came easy for the North Alabama men's basketball team on Sunday, as the Lions struggled on both ends in a 74-54 loss to the Wofford Terriers inside Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium in Spartanburg, S.C.
Playing at home for the first time in nearly a month, Wofford (3-5) came out hot and had an advantage in nearly every category. UNA (5-4) went on spurts in the second half but were unable to pull back within single digits.
Today began the second round of the scheduling alliance between the Atlantic Sun Conference and Southern Conference. The SoCon now leads 6-4 in the challenge, as the Lions fell 97-96 in overtime to defending SoCon champion Samford and lost today at Wofford. Both opponents were picked top four in the SoCon preseason poll.
UNA was led by junior
Donte Bacchus with 11 points. Bacchus went 2-3 behind the arc and 4-5 from the floor. Senior
Taye Fields added 10 points and a game-high three steals.
Dillon Bailey led Wofford with 18 points, two off his season-high.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half: UNA scored the first four points of the game courtesy of crafty work in the paint from
Corneilous Williams, but Wofford went on a 14-2 run to take the early lead. Wofford took a double-digit lead at the midway point and carried that through the rest of the half with sound defense and efficient shooting. Wofford went 19-33 for 58 percent while holding UNA to 8-23 for 35 percent. Seven players scored for UNA in the half.
Second Half: The Lions started well in the second half and had some runs, but were unable to overcome the first half struggles. However, the defense evened the playing field a bit as Wofford shot 11-30 and UNA 11-31. Another improvement for UNA in the second half came in the turnover battle, as Wofford had 11 turnovers in the second half. UNA had nine the whole game.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- UNA had its lowest shooting percentage both from the floor at 19-54 (35.2) and behind the arc at 4-18 (22.2).
- Despite the loss, UNA continued its streak of at least six steals in a game with nine. Wofford had just four.
- UNA, who ranks among the nation's leaders in turnover margin, had a 14-9 advantage to keep on par with its +5 turnover margin.
- Wofford had a 45-25 advantage on the boards and 46-26 advantage in paint scoring.
- All nine players who appeared for UNA scored at least one field goal.
- Today marked the first home game for Wofford in 27 days. The Terriers played six straight away from home following the season opener.
COMING UP NEXT
UNA returns to CB&S Bank Arena for a non-conference showdown with Tennessee Tech on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. UNA will host a Teddy Bear Toss promotion, as fans are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal or toy to donate to those in need during the holidays.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
