University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
Montreat
Women's Baskets Wins Opener Over Montreat, 75-48
11.12.2007 | Women's Basketball
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Freshman forward Lindsey Montgomery scored 15 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in her first college game as UNC Asheville downed Montreat 75-48 in non-conference women's basketball action Monday night at Justice Center.
The defending Big South Conference champions had four players in double figures as freshman Chioma Okoli came off the bench to score 14 points. Ashton Barton picked up 13 points, while junior guard Ana Baker scored 10 points, dished out seven assists and tied a school record with eight steals.
Montreat (1-2) was led by Whitney Boone with 15 points. Chazaree Wright finished with 11 points and eight rebounds.
"We're a young team and tonight we showed that at times but at times we showed some real promise," commented UNC Asheville coach Betsy Blose. "I was real pleased with Lindsey Montogmery as she really did a nice job in her first college game.
"We didn't shoot it great (35%) and in the first half we got beat on the boards," added Blose. "However, we picked things up in the second half and played better."
Blose's team beat Montreat, 99-40 last season but the Cavaliers battled the Bulldogs much tougher this season and were within six twice early in the second half.
"Montreat is a much improved team from last year," commented Blose. "I think Coach Jackson (Craig Jackson) will do a great job and already his hard work is paying off. We wish them the best of luck the rest of the year."
Montgomery had 13 points and eight rebounds in the first half as the Bulldogs (1-0) led 37-23 at the break. Asheville's defense forced 19 turnovers and Baker had six steals in the opening half.
In the second half, the Cavaliers got back-to-back treys from Boone to narrow the Asheville lead to 39-33 with 17 minutes left.
However, the Bulldogs got their offense going and went on a 20-4 scoring spree to race to a 59-37 lead. Asheville got baskets from six different players during the run.
After getting out-rebounded 28-24 in the first half, the Bulldogs controlled the boards in the second half by a 31-12 count. Stacy Shepard had 11 rebounds for the Bulldogs and freshman Arescia Moore pulled down eight rebounds.
UNC Asheville plays next this weekend when it hosts the Carolina Classic at Justice Center. The Bulldogs play Davidson Friday at 8 p.m. In the first game, Gardner-Webb will face Georgia State at 6 p.m.
