Men's Basketball Hosts Lees-McRae in Exhibition Play Monday Night

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The UNC Asheville men's basketball team plays its first and only exhibition game Monday night at Justice Center when the Bulldogs host Lees-McRae starting at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast locally on WISE Radio (1310-AM).

UNC Asheville played the Bobcats during the regular season last year and posted a 74-48 victory. The Bulldogs are a much different team this season as four starters graduated. Asheville also will be without center Kenny George who led the nation in field goal percentage. The Dogs have just players back from last year's record-setting 23-10 season.

Asheville has a young roser this season. The Bulldogs have 12 players who are either freshmen or sophomores. Head Coach Eddie Biedenbach is looking forward to the upcoming campaign.

"We're very young and we lost a lot from last season," stated Biedenbach. "However, I really like some of the young players we have. They need time but have shown a lot of potential in practice. I'm excited about the year and we'll improve with each game."

The Bulldogs do have some experience back. Senior forward Reid August averaged 10.6 points per game a year ago and shot 51 percent from the field. Sophomore forward John Williams averaged 6.4 points and shot 58 percent from the field. He also blocked 51 shots.

Lees-McRae finished 6-23 last year but were a young team.

"Lees-McRae will give us a good test on Monday night," commented Biedenbach. "They gave us fits for awhile last year and are much improved."

The Bulldogs open the regular season on Friday, Nov. 14 against Belmont Abbey at Justice Center starting at 7 p.m.