GREENSBORO, N.C. (Interstat) — Justin Neely scored 29 points and UNC Greensboro capitalized on a dominant first half and near-perfect ball security to defeat Wofford 99-89 in a Southern Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Greensboro Coliseum.

The Spartans, who led by as many as 19 points in the opening period, never trailed after the opening minute and withstood a persistent second-half push from the Terriers. UNC Greensboro improved to 12-15 overall, while Wofford fell to 17-10.

The most critical phase of the game was its outset. UNC Greensboro established immediate control with a 17-2 run over the first six minutes, fueled by defensive intensity that forced four early Wofford turnovers. The Spartans converted those miscues into easy offense, building a lead that proved insurmountable despite Wofford’s late offensive surge.

Neely, a 6-foot-6 junior from Miami Beach, Florida, was the catalyst, adding three assists and a block in 37 minutes. He was supported by KJ Younger, who scored 22 points and blocked two shots, and Valentino Pinedo, who contributed 15 points, three assists and two blocks. Lilian Marville orchestrated the offense with a game-high seven assists to go with 13 points.

Wofford’s offense, which entered the game averaging over 80 points per contest, was stifled early by the Spartans’ defense. The Terriers committed 10 turnovers, which UNC Greensboro converted into 18 points. Conversely, the Spartans gave the ball away only three times all game, a decisive statistic in the final margin.

The Terriers, who shot just 30.8% from 3-point range, were led by Nils Machowski’s 24 points and three assists. Maximo Ortega added 19 points and Cayden Vasko scored 16. Wofford dominated the interior, outscoring UNC Greensboro 40-26 in the paint and grabbing 14 offensive rebounds, but could not overcome the early deficit and the Spartans’ efficient scoring.

UNC Greensboro led 47-30 at halftime after closing the period on a 7-0 run, capped by a Marville 3-pointer just before the buzzer. The Spartans shot 54.5% from the field in the half and made 10 of 21 3-pointers for the game.

Wofford opened the second half with increased energy, cutting the lead to 11 points on multiple occasions. A Machowski 3-pointer with 5:20 remaining brought the Terriers within 83-79, applying significant pressure for the first time all night.

The Spartans responded with crucial plays from their veterans. On the ensuing possession, Pinedo scored inside, and after a Wofford miss, Donald Whitehead hit a jumper to push the lead back to eight. Neely then scored six consecutive points for UNC Greensboro over a key 90-second span to keep the Terriers at bay, ultimately securing the victory.

UNC Greensboro’s performance at the free-throw line was also pivotal, making 29 of 38 attempts. Wofford attempted 10 fewer free throws, making 19.

The game was a reversal of the teams’ first meeting on Jan. 7, which Wofford won 97-85 in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

An announced crowd of 1,242 watched the game at the 23,500-seat Greensboro Coliseum.

Wofford next hosts Virginia Military Institute on Wednesday. UNC Greensboro travels to face Western Carolina, also on Wednesday.