ASHEVILLE, N.C. ? The UNC Asheville men's basketball team has moved up to 20th in the latest edition of the College Insider Mid-Major poll that was released on Monday. The Bulldogs received 171 votes from coaches around the country that coach in mid-major conferences. Asheville was ranked for the first time last week when it was 22nd with 112 votes.
The Bulldogs went 1-1 last week and are now 12-4 on the season. It's the best start for a UNC Asheville team since the 1983-84 season. The Dogs played well before falling at top-ranked North Carolina last Wednesday, 93-81. Asheville opened league play Saturday at home with a hard-fought 74-70 victory over Liberty.
The Bulldogs 171 votes have them ranked ahead of Holy Cross (132), Valparaiso (122), Niagara (71), Chattanooga (69) and Wagner (69). Just in front of Asheville is Southern Conference leader Davidson (227).
Head Coach Eddie Biedenbach's club plays twice this week with very tough Big South Conference battles. The Bulldogs host Big South favorite High Point Wednesday night at Justice Center starting at 7 p.m. Asheville goes on the road to face high-flying VMI Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.
