GREENSBORO, N.C. (Interstat) — Justin Neely scored 25 points, including three decisive free throws with two seconds remaining, to lift UNC Greensboro to an 81-78 victory over Western Carolina in a Southern Conference men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Greensboro Coliseum.

The Spartans, who led for the final 27 minutes, saw their six-point lead with under a minute to play nearly vanish before Neely sealed the game at the foul line. The junior guard from Miami Beach, Florida, drew a foul on a 3-point attempt after stealing an inbounds pass, calmly sinking all three free throws to provide the final margin.

The game’s most critical sequence unfolded in the final three seconds. With the score tied 78-78 following a driving layup by Western Carolina’s Marcus Kell, the Catamounts attempted to inbound the ball from under their own basket. Neely intercepted Cord Stansberry’s pass and was fouled by Kell while attempting a 3-pointer as time expired. After a review confirmed the foul occurred before the buzzer, Neely stepped to the line and made all three free throws, denying Western Carolina a chance at overtime.

Neely, who also had four assists, was the linchpin for UNC Greensboro, which improved to 9-15 overall. He went 9 for 10 from the free throw line, part of a dominant performance at the stripe for the Spartans, who made 24 of 27 attempts. Western Carolina, by contrast, shot 14 for 21 on free throws.

The Catamounts, who fell to 8-14, were carried by a career-high 27 points from Marcus Kell. The 6-foot-8 forward from Fort Mill, South Carolina, was relentless, scoring from all three levels and grabbing seven rebounds. Tahlan Pettway added 14 points for Western Carolina.

UNC Greensboro took a 42-36 lead into halftime, fueled by efficient shooting and trips to the line. The Spartans shot 50% from 3-point range in the first half, making 6 of 12, while Western Carolina kept pace with Kell scoring 15 early points.

The second half was a tense affair featuring eight ties and 10 lead changes, though UNC Greensboro never trailed after the 7:15 mark of the period. Every time Western Carolina mounted a challenge, the Spartans answered, often from the free throw line or with a timely 3-pointer.

Lilian Marville scored 14 points for UNC Greensboro, hitting four 3-pointers, while Noah Norgaard added 12 points. The Spartans shot 43.6% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc, offsetting Western Carolina’s advantages in rebounding and fast-break points.

Western Carolina’s offense, which posted an offensive rating of 116.5 on 67 possessions, was hampered by 10 turnovers and its struggles at the foul line. The Catamounts shot 45% from the field and a respectable 37% from 3-point range but could not overcome the disparity in free throw makes.

Justin Johnson provided a spark off the bench for Western Carolina with nine points, a block and several key rebounds. Tidjiane Dioumassi had five points and four assists.

The game was a matchup of teams seeking momentum in the conference standings. UNC Greensboro snapped a three-game losing streak, while Western Carolina saw its two-game win streak end.

Attendance was 1,204 at the 23,500-seat Greensboro Coliseum.

Both teams continue Southern Conference play on the road Saturday. UNC Greensboro visits Furman, while Western Carolina travels to face Wofford. The teams will meet again in Cullowhee, North Carolina, on Feb. 18.