College basketball: Friday’s area games to watch

FRIDAY’S MATCHUPS

UNC GREENSBORO (3-2) at WAKE FOREST (1-4)

Joel Memorial Coliseum, Winston-Salem, 7 p.m.

Spanish-born guard Francis Alonso leads with 14.4 points and 47 percent floor shooting. The Deacons are having trouble shaking an early-season slump in which they are hitting only 42 percent from the floor.

TEXAS SOUTHERN (0-5) at CLEMSON (4-1)

Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson, S.C., 3 p.m.

Clemson forward Donte Graham (17.2 points a game on 70 percent shooting) could have a big day against a small Texas Southern team. The visitors’ key threat is 5-foot-8 guard Demontrae Jefferson, who averages 22 points a game.

HIGH POINT (2-2) at CHARLOTTE (2-2)

Halton Arena, Charlotte, 7 p.m.

The 49ers had a slow start Monday against Presbyterian for the third straight game. Jon Davis averages 17.5 points a game but shooting only 40 percent. Guard Andre Fox leads High Point - expected to be a Big South contender - with 21 points a contest.

WINTHROP (2-2) at AUBURN (3-1)

Auburn Arena, Auburn, Ala., 7 p.m.,SEC Network

The Eagles have posted two straight victories over lower-level competition and face a steep upgrade Friday. East Gaston High’s Desean Murray leads Auburn in rebounding (9.0) and averages 12.3 points. Xavier Cooks (15.3 points, nine rebounds a contest) leads Winthrop.

GARDNER-WEBB (2-3) at WRIGHT STATE (1-3)

Nutter Center, Dayton, Ohio, 7 p.m.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs aim to extend their winning streak to three games. Wright State, of the Horizon Conference, has been plagued by poor shooting this season and is hitting only 28 percent from 3-point range.

BELMONT ABBEY (3-2) at JOHNSON C. SMITH (3-2)

Brayboy Gym, Charlotte, 6 p.m.

This game features two outstanding guards – Abbey sophomore DeQuan Abram (24.8 points a game) and Golden Bulls senior Robert Davis (23.8 points).

Steve Lyttle

This story was originally published November 23, 2017 at 3:00 PM with the headline "College basketball: Friday’s area games to watch."