GREENSBORO, N.C. (Interstat) — In a Southern Conference clash defined by offensive efficiency and critical mistakes, the UNC Greensboro Spartans outlasted the Samford Bulldogs 89-82 on Saturday at Greensboro Coliseum.

The game, played before an announced crowd of 439, saw both teams operate with remarkable precision on offense, but the Spartans’ superior marksmanship from beyond the arc and a decisive advantage in ball security proved to be the difference.

UNC Greensboro improved to 6-9 overall, while Samford fell to 8-7.

The most pivotal stretch of the contest came early in the second half, transforming a narrow halftime lead into a cushion the Spartans would not relinquish. Leading 43-35 at the break, UNC Greensboro opened the final period with a blistering 10-2 run in just over two minutes. The surge was fueled by a three-pointer from Noah Norgaard and another from Donald Whitehead, pushing the lead to 53-37 and forcing Samford into a defensive scramble from which it never fully recovered.

Samford, led by a game-high 26 points from Jadin Booth and 25 points from Dylan Faulkner, consistently chipped away at the deficit behind its interior scoring, finishing with a 34-20 advantage in points in the paint. The Bulldogs cut the lead to single digits multiple times in the final minutes, but could never string together enough stops to overtake the Spartans.

Each time Samford threatened, UNC Greensboro had an answer, often from long distance. The Spartans shot a scorching 68.8 percent from three-point range, making 11 of 16 attempts. Samford, by contrast, connected on just 10 of 30 from deep.

Justin Neely led the Spartans with 22 points, while Norgaard added 17 and Whitehead and KJ Younger each contributed 15. The Spartans’ ball security was nearly flawless, committing only two turnovers the entire game. Samford, while tidy with six turnovers, could not capitalize on the few Spartan mistakes, scoring just four points off turnovers compared to UNC Greensboro’s 12.

The statistical profile highlighted the game’s offensive nature. Both teams had exactly 67 possessions. UNC Greensboro’s offensive rating of 132.3 edged out Samford’s 121.7. The Spartans also capitalized at the free-throw line, making 22 of 30 attempts, while the Bulldogs struggled, hitting only 14 of 24.

Samford’s Faulkner added four blocks to his scoring output, and Keaton Norris dished out five assists. For UNC Greensboro, Clinton Efinda provided a key spark off the bench with eight points.

The loss snapped a two-game winning streak for Samford in conference play. UNC Greensboro, coming off a win over Chattanooga, secured its second consecutive Southern Conference victory.

Samford next hosts Western Carolina on Wednesday. UNC Greensboro travels to face Wofford on the same night.