(Mitchell Northam / HornetMaven - Sports Illustrated)
Franks, McDaniels shine as Swarm fall to Westchester Knicks
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Robert Franks scored 26 points, but it wasn't enough to power the Greensboro Swarm past the Westchester Knicks on Wednesday. The G-League affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets fell 116-109 at the Fieldhouse at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, in front of an announced crowd of 2,077 fans -- most of which were screaming children enjoying a day off from school.
Also shining for the Swarm was Jalen McDaniels, a 2019 second-round draft pick of the Hornets who was playing with Greensboro on assignment. The lanky 6-foot-10 San Diego State product poured in 19 points, 11 boards, four assists, two steals and two blocks in 40 minutes of play.
Kobi Simmons, who is on a two-way contract, notched a double-double as well, tallying 15 points and 11 assists. Caleb Martin added 15 points, five boards, three assists and a block.
Leading the Knicks was Andrew White III, who made the Swarm's defense look like a JV team as he scored 39 points. The Syracuse product also had seven rebounds and two assists.
The Knicks jumped out to 14-4 lead to start the game and eventually led by 20 points. The Swarm battled back in the second half, outscoring the Knicks by nine points over the final two periods, but it wasn't enough to totally erase the deficit.
The loss drops the Swarm to 1-2 on the season. Their next game is Friday in Michigan against the Grand Rapids Drive.
Notes
- Head coach Joe Wolf said that Joel Berry III not playing in the second half was a "coach's decision." The UNC product had two steals, but was 0-of-5 shooting over eight minutes in the first half.
- Former UNC guard -- and now UNC assistant coach -- Kendall Marshall was at the game, sitting court-side in Tar Heel gear.
- Josh Perkins did not play due to a right quad injury. When asked when Perkins might return, Wolf said that's a question for the doctors.
