Pregame Preview: UNC Greensboro Spartans at Western Carolina CatamountsDate: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM ET (approximate; check local listings)
Location: Ramsey Regional Activity Center, Cullowhee, NC
TV/Stream: ESPN+ / SoCon Digital Network
Series History: UNCG leads 35-32 all-time, but has dominated recently with a 9-game winning streak, including a thrilling 81-78 victory over Western Carolina on February 4 in Greensboro. In that matchup, Spartans guard Justin Neely erupted for 25 points to seal the win with clutch free throws.
Team Snapshots
Both squads are fighting for positioning in a tight Southern Conference race with just a few weeks left before the March tournament in Asheville. The Catamounts host this rematch looking to snap their skid against the Spartans and build momentum at home.
The Spartans have turned things around after a rough non-conference slate, riding a three-game win streak into Cullowhee. Their latest: a 92-71 rout of VMI on February 11, followed by a gritty 67-64 road win at Furman on February 8. Last five: (3-2). Greensboro's defense has tightened, holding opponents under 70 points in two of their last three.
Western Carolina snapped a two-game skid with back-to-back wins, including an 87-49 demolition of The Citadel on February 11 and an 81-76 upset at Chattanooga on February 14. Last five: (3-2). The Catamounts have been boom-or-bust at home, winning four of their last six in Cullowhee, but their offense struggles on the road (averaging just 72.5 PPG in SoCon away games).Key Players to Watch
Players to Watch
UNCG Spartans
-Justin Neely (G, Sr.): The heartbeat of this team, averaging 17.6 PPG, 11.9 RPG (leads SoCon), and 2.7 APG across 27 games. Neely's double-double machine status was on full display in the February 4 win, and he'll be a mismatch nightmare for WCU's frontcourt.
-KJ Younger (G, Jr.): 14.6 PPG off the bench, providing scoring punch with his quick release and 38% three-point shooting.
-Donald Whitehead Jr. (G, So.): 11.0 PPG, the assist man (team-high 3.1 APG) who orchestrates Greensboro's up-tempo sets.
Western Carolina
-KJ Younger (G, Jr.): 14.6 PPG off the bench, providing scoring punch with his quick release and 38% three-point shooting.
-Donald Whitehead Jr. (G, So.): 11.0 PPG, the assist man (team-high 3.1 APG) who orchestrates Greensboro's up-tempo sets.
Western Carolina
-Marcus Kell (G, Jr.): Leading scorer at 13.5 PPG in 25 games, with a knack for mid-range jumpers. Kell dropped 18 in the February 4 loss but needs to heat up from deep (31% 3PT).
-Cord Stansberry (F, Sr.): 13.2 PPG and a versatile scorer who can stretch the floor; expect him to battle Neely on the glass.
-Samuel Dada (F, Fr.): Rebounding anchor at 7.4 RPG, crucial for second-chance points in a physical SoCon tilt.
-Samuel Dada (F, Fr.): Rebounding anchor at 7.4 RPG, crucial for second-chance points in a physical SoCon tilt.
- Assists leader Tidjiane Dioumassi (2.9 APG) will push the pace.
Key Matchups and Storylines
Neely vs. WCU's Perimeter D: The Catamounts rank near the bottom of the SoCon in opponent three-point percentage (35.2% allowed), and Neely's ability to drive and kick could exploit that. If Greensboro gets him going early, it might open up the floor for Younger's spot-up looks.
Rebounding Battle: Both teams live and die by the boards—Greensboro edges the conference in offensive rebounds (11.2 per game), but WCU's home crowd could fuel Dada and Stansberry for extra possessions.
Pace and Turnovers: Expect a track meet; both average 75+ possessions per game. The team that protects the ball (WCU forces 14.1 turnovers per game at home) wins. No major injuries reported for either side, though WCU's depth has been tested by recent road wear.
X-Factor: Home cooking in the mountains. Cullowhee's altitude (2,100 ft) and raucous Ramsey Center atmosphere have helped the Catamounts pull off upsets, like their February 11 blowout.
Prediction
This rematch has revenge written all over it for Western Carolina, who kept it close on the road two weeks ago. The Catamounts' recent home dominance and balanced scoring give them a puncher's chance, but Greensboro's hot streak and Neely's all-around dominance make the Spartans slight favorites. Look for a high-scoring affair (O/U around 155) decided by free throws late.
Key Matchups and Storylines
Neely vs. WCU's Perimeter D: The Catamounts rank near the bottom of the SoCon in opponent three-point percentage (35.2% allowed), and Neely's ability to drive and kick could exploit that. If Greensboro gets him going early, it might open up the floor for Younger's spot-up looks.
Rebounding Battle: Both teams live and die by the boards—Greensboro edges the conference in offensive rebounds (11.2 per game), but WCU's home crowd could fuel Dada and Stansberry for extra possessions.
Pace and Turnovers: Expect a track meet; both average 75+ possessions per game. The team that protects the ball (WCU forces 14.1 turnovers per game at home) wins. No major injuries reported for either side, though WCU's depth has been tested by recent road wear.
X-Factor: Home cooking in the mountains. Cullowhee's altitude (2,100 ft) and raucous Ramsey Center atmosphere have helped the Catamounts pull off upsets, like their February 11 blowout.
Prediction
This rematch has revenge written all over it for Western Carolina, who kept it close on the road two weeks ago. The Catamounts' recent home dominance and balanced scoring give them a puncher's chance, but Greensboro's hot streak and Neely's all-around dominance make the Spartans slight favorites. Look for a high-scoring affair (O/U around 155) decided by free throws late.
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