University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Bulldogs Set To Host Catamounts on Tuesday in TV Game
12.27.2010 | Men's Basketball
Asheville (5-6) has not played since a 96-49 loss to second-ranked Ohio State on Dec. 21. The Buckeyes simply had too much for the Bulldogs in that game. Asheville coach Eddie Biedenbach is happy to be at home for Tuesday's game.
"We're excited about playing Western Carolina," commented Biedenbach. "This is a great game for basketball fans in Western North Carolina and hopefully we'll play well against a solid Western Carolina team.
"We didn't play badly at Ohio State but could have played better," added Biedenbach. "Ohio State is an outstanding team, and they adjusted well to some things we tried to trick them with. Our guys competed hard and won some battles throughout the game. We play teams like Ohio State so it can prepare us for games against teams like Western Carolina and the Big South."
The Catamounts are 4-9 on the season but that record is quite misleading. WCU has played just twice at home this season and owns a road victory at DePaul and home triumph over Bradley of the Missouri Valley Conference. Larry Hunter's team has played a tough non-conference schedule, including a game at Ohio State
"We know Western Carolina is a very good team," stated Biedenbach. "Larry Hunter is an extremely good coach and will have his team ready to play. They've played a tough schedule but have been in most of those games. "
Western Carolina leads the all-time series, 23-18. Since Asheville went Division I 25 years ago, the Catamounts hold a slight 13-12 advantage. WCU posted an 87-76 victory over the Bulldogs last season at the Ramsey Center. Two years ago at Justice Center, Asheville rallied for an 81-78 win over the Cats on Dec. 31, 2008. The win was Bulldog coach Eddie Biedenbach's 200th career victory. Coach Biedenbach has a 7-9 lifetime record vs. WCU. His record is 6-5 vs. the Cats as Bulldog head coach. Catamount head coach Larry Hunter is 3-2 vs. Asheville.
The Bulldogs are being led by junior guard J.P. Primm. He leads Asheville in scoring (16.4), assists (47), steals (24) and three-pointers made (27). Junior guard Matt Dickey is averaging 15.5 point per game, while sophomore center D.J. Cunningham is averaging close to a double-double with an 11.5 scoring average and 9.5 rebounding mark.
BULLDOG NOTES
Tuesday's game starts a three-game homestand for the Bulldogs. They'll host Big South foes VMI (Dec. 31) and Liberty (Jan. 2) later in the week.
The Bulldogs have won 12 consecutive home games dating back to last year. Asheville is tied for the 15th longest homecourt winning streak in the nation according to the NCAA stats as of last week.
Junior guard J.P. Primm has enjoyed an outstanding season for the Bulldogs. He enters tonight's game as Asheville's leading scorer (16.4) and also leads the team in assists (47). Steals (24) and three-pointers made (27). J.P. has moved into a tie for fifth place on the school's all-time career list for assists with 358 as he's tied with former Bulldog great Andre Smith. Primm is ranked third in the Big South Conference in four different statistical categories, assists, steals, three-pointers made and minutes played. He is ranked fourth in the league in scoring and sixth in free throw percentage.
Sophomore center D.J. Cunningham has led the Bulldogs in rebounding in six consecutive games.
Senior forward John Williams could play this evening. Williams suffered a facial injury at North Carolina on Nov. 23 and has missed the last seven games. He is the school's all-time leader in blocked shots with 213. Williams is also knocking on the door of 1,000 career points. He has 955 points and needs 45 to become the 25th Bulldog to reach 1,000 career points.
Freshman center Chudier Pal (pronounced Chew dee-ah Paul) has been ruled eligible by the NCAA and will suit up for the Western Carolina game. The 6-9 freshman center is from Rockingham, Australia and will provide depth in the front court.
Sophomore forward Jon Nwannunu injured his knee vs. Ohio State and will not play tonight. He could be out for the next three weeks.
The Bulldogs are seventh nationally in steals (10.18) but are third in the Big South as VMI and Charleston Southern are in front of them.
