University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Women's Basketball Hosts Furman on Saturday at 2 p.m.
12.10.2010 | Women's Basketball
Fans can get into the game for free by bringing a toy to donate to Toys for Tots. Any fan bringing a toy will receive a free general admission ticket for any men's and women's basketball game between now and Dec. 16.
The Bulldogs (3-3) have not played since a 99-71 loss at Appalachian State last Thursday night. The powerful Apps just had too much for Asheville on the night though junior guard Lindsey Thompson scored a career-high 29 points in the loss.
"We played a very good team in Appalachian State and gave up way too many points," said Asheville head coach Betsy Blose. "We didn't contest their shooters enough and needed to commit more to the defensive end of the floor. We've also got to get more from our bench."
The Bulldogs should get some from their bench as seniors Lindsey Montgomery and Chioma Okolia will make their debut on Saturday. Both were suspended for the first six games of the year but could play on Saturday. Montgomery was Asheville's leading scorer last year with a 12.5 scoring average. Okoli averaged 8.1 points per game.
"Lindsey and Chioma will be in uniform on Saturday," explained Blose. "We're glad to have them back and look forward to them making contributions."
Asheville faces a solid Furman squad on Saturday. The Paladins are 5-2 on the season and will bring a four-game winning streak into Saturday's game. Furman routed Erskine earlier this week at home, 87-53.
"Furman has looked very impressive in the first part of the season," stated Blose. "They have a new coach and are playing quite well. We're going to need to play better than we have the last two games to have a chance at winning."
Lindsey Thompson leads Asheville and the Big South in scoring with a 21.0 scoring average. She is 15th nationally in scoring this season. Senior guard Kendall Shepard is second on the team and second in the Big South in scoring with an 18.3 average. Sophomore forward Kelli Riles is averaging a double-double in points and rebounds. She's averaging 10.2 points per game and grabbing a Big South-leading 10.7 rebounds.
Furman is being led in scoring by senior guard Kelly O'Connor with a 13.9 mark. Sophomore guard Kaitlin Murphy is averaging 11.9 points per game.
BULLDOG NOTES
Saturday is Asheville head coach Betsy Blose's birthday
The Bulldogs lost at Furman the last time the teams played, 71-30 in the 2008-09 season. However, Asheville has won the last two meetings at Justice Center, including a 79-67 triumph in the 2007-08 season.
Lindsey Thompson has scored in double figures in all six games for Asheville this year. She has scored more than 20 points in four different contests.
The Bulldogs lead the Big South Conference in scoring (73.7) and field goal percentage (41.8).
Kelli Riles has grabbed at least 10 rebounds in four different games.
