UNC Greensboro Spartans Defeat VMI Keydets 85-78
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · Cameron Hall
UNC Greensboro Spartans 85, VMI Keydets 78, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won UNC Greensboro Spartans vs VMI Keydets?
UNC Greensboro Spartans beat VMI Keydets 85-78 at Cameron Hall on January 21, 2026.
Who was favored in UNC Greensboro Spartans vs VMI Keydets?
UNC Greensboro Spartans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -130 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the UNC Greensboro Spartans emerged victorious against the VMI Keydets with a final score of 85-78 at Cameron Hall. This game was significant as it marked the continuation of both teams' struggles in the season, with VMI now on a four-game losing streak and UNC Greensboro looking to stabilize after a recent loss.
The VMI Keydets entered the game with a home record of 6-14, struggling particularly in their last ten games where they recorded a 3-7 mark. Their recent form has been concerning, with an average of 70.9 points scored per game while allowing 74.3 points to their opponents. The Keydets have not been able to find consistency, evident in their last five games where they averaged only 65.8 points while giving up 76.0 points per game. Their last victory came on January 3 against the Chattanooga Mocs, but since then, they have faced defeats against teams like The Citadel Bulldogs and Mercer Bears.
In contrast, the Spartans have shown a better form recently, with a record of 8-12 overall and 6-4 in their last ten games. Despite a recent loss to Mercer, UNC Greensboro has managed to score an impressive average of 84.0 points per game while allowing 76.9 points. Their scoring prowess has been highlighted in their last five games, where they averaged 79.0 points but also allowed a high 86.6 points per game, indicating defensive vulnerabilities.
Historically, the matchup has favored the Spartans, who now lead the head-to-head record 2-1 against VMI this season. Their previous meetings included a close game on January 25, 2025, where the Spartans edged out the Keydets 60-57, and a more decisive victory for UNC Greensboro on February 13, 2025, where they won 80-54.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any significant player absences for either team, which means both squads were likely at full strength for this crucial game. This absence of injury concerns can often play a pivotal role in the outcome of tightly contested games.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had UNC Greensboro favored by 2.5 points, reflecting their slightly better form and overall record. The total points line was set at 151.5, indicating expectations of a relatively high-scoring affair, which was validated by the final score.
Conditions in Cameron Hall were typical for a basketball game, and the atmosphere likely contributed to the home team's performance, although it ultimately was not enough to secure a win. The Keydets' struggles at home continued, as they fell to 3-3 in their last six home games.
As the game progressed, the Spartans managed to maintain a lead, with key scoring plays down the stretch, including free throws by Noah Norgaard and Lilian Marville that helped seal the victory. The final moments saw UNC Greensboro capitalize on their opportunities from the line, which proved crucial in their win.
In conclusion, the UNC Greensboro Spartans' victory over the VMI Keydets not only adds to their season's record but also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by VMI as they seek to break their losing streak. The performance of both teams in the upcoming games will be critical as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNCG -2.5 | 151.5 o -105 / u -115 | UNC Greensboro Spartans -130 · VMI Keydets +110 |
Leaders
- PointsTJ Johnson18VMI Keydets
- AssistsTan Yildizoglu3VMI Keydets
- ReboundsTJ Johnson10VMI Keydets
- PointsJustin Neely22UNC Greensboro Spartans
- AssistsJustin Neely3UNC Greensboro Spartans
- ReboundsJustin Neely22UNC Greensboro Spartans
Recent form
VMI Keydets
Last 10: 3-7Streak L470.9 scored · 74.3 allowed per game3-3 at home
- L68-82vs The Citadel BulldogsJan 18
- L67-77vs Mercer BearsJan 15
- L48-69at Furman PaladinsJan 10
- L67-81at East Tennessee State BuccaneersJan 8
- W79-71vs Chattanooga MocsJan 3
- L58-78vs Samford BulldogsJan 1
- L90-97at Radford HighlandersDec 21
- W86-70vs Loyola Maryland GreyhoundsDec 9
- W89-36vs Christendom CrusadersDec 6
- L57-82at UCF KnightsNov 29
UNC Greensboro Spartans
Last 10: 6-4Streak L184 scored · 76.9 allowed per game1-2 away
- L92-102vs Mercer BearsJan 17
- W69-66vs The Citadel BulldogsJan 16
- L60-86at East Tennessee State BuccaneersJan 10
- L85-97at Wofford TerriersJan 7
- W89-82vs Samford BulldogsJan 3
- W77-72vs Chattanooga MocsJan 1
- W131-53vs Virginia Lynchburg DragonsDec 21
- L65-71vs North Carolina A&T AggiesDec 17
- W90-62vs William Peace PacersDec 13
- W82-78at East Carolina PiratesDec 6
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee State | 23-11 | - | 13-5 |
| Mercer | 19-13 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Wofford | 19-13 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Samford | 18-14 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Furman | 22-13 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Western Carolina | 15-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| UNC Greensboro | 15-19 | 4 | 9-9 |
| Chattanooga | 13-19 | 6 | 7-11 |
| The Citadel | 11-22 | 6 | 7-11 |
| VMI | 6-26 | 12 | 1-17 |
Box score
| Stat | UNC Greensboro Spartans | VMI Keydets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-57 | 26-61 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 8-19 | 13-37 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 35 |
| Free throws | 23-33 | 13-22 |
| Free throw % | 70 | 59 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 24 |
| Assists | 17 | 10 |
| Steals | 4 | 3 |
| Blocks | 3 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 5 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 24 |
| Fouls | 19 | 26 |
| Largest lead | 20 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 82 | 13 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half53-46Mario Tatum Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half54-46Donald Whitehead Jr. makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half55-46Donald Whitehead Jr. makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half57-46Donald Whitehead Jr. makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half59-46Donald Whitehead Jr. makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half61-46Clinton Efinda makes layup (Justin Neely assists)
- 2nd Half64-46Lilian Marville makes 25-foot three point jumper (Donald Whitehead Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half64-48Mario Tatum Jr. makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half66-48Donald Whitehead Jr. makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half66-50Tan Yildizoglu makes layup
- 2nd Half67-50Donald Whitehead Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-50Donald Whitehead Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-50KJ Younger makes layup
- 2nd Half70-53TJ Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cal Liston assists)
- 2nd Half70-55Tan Yildizoglu makes layup
- 2nd Half72-55Valentino Pinedo makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half72-56Mario Tatum Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-56Justin Neely makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-58Jaylen Pazon makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half73-60Jaylen Pazon makes layup
- 2nd Half74-60Justin Neely makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-60Justin Neely makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-62Mario Tatum Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half75-65TJ Johnson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Mario Tatum Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half75-68Mario Tatum Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half78-68Donald Whitehead Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Justin Neely assists)
- 2nd Half78-70Tan Yildizoglu makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half79-70KJ Younger makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-72Tan Yildizoglu makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half79-73AJ Clark makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-74AJ Clark makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-74Noah Norgaard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-74Noah Norgaard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-76Tan Yildizoglu makes layup
- 2nd Half82-76Lilian Marville makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-76Justin Neely makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-77Tan Yildizoglu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-78Tan Yildizoglu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-78Lilian Marville makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half85-78Lilian Marville makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours VMI Keydets, below favours UNC Greensboro Spartans.
Venue
- Cameron HallLexington, VA
- Attendance1275
- OfficialsGarrick Shannon, Scott Bennett, Chase Furlough
Elsewhere
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