University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Bulldogs Face North Carolina Central on Wednesday
12.29.2010 | Women's Basketball
Asheville (6-4) has been off since an exciting 76-73 road victory at Mercer last Wednesday afternoon. The Bulldogs trailed by 12 in the first half before rallying for the victory. Asheville was led by 22 points from sophomore Kelli Riles in the victory.
North Carolina Central is just 2-9 on the season but the Eagles record is very misleading. N.C. Central defeating defending Big South Conference champion Liberty earlier this month at home, 50-48. The Eagles have been on the road for much of the season and played most of their opponents' pretty close.
"We face a North Carolina Central team that is talented and has been in most of its games this year," commented Asheville coach Betsy Blose. "They beat Liberty. That sums things up pretty well when you see that they knocked off Liberty. We don't need to get behind like we did at Mercer last week."
The teams met last year for the first time since the 1985-86 season at Justice Center with Asheville winning, 64-58. It was a game that went back-and-forth until the Bulldogs went on a late surge to win the contest.
Wednesday's game is the final non-conference tune-up for Asheville as the Bulldogs begin Big South Conference play Monday night at Justice Center vs. Radford at 7 p.m.
"We want to finish strong before we go into conference play," said Blose. "I'm pleased to have six wins right now, and we certainly have improved since last year. However, conference play starts a whole new season."
Kendall Shepard continues to lead the Bulldogs in scoring with a 16.1 average. Lindsey Thompson has a 15.4 mark, while Riles is averaging 13.0 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. Lindsey Montgomery has played in the last four games and is averaging 17.0 points per game.
BULLDOG NOTES
UNC Asheville won just eight games last year and now has six victories after just 10 games. In addition, the Bulldogs have already surpassed their win total on the road from last season. Asheville won just one road game a year ago but is 2-2 this year.
Kelli Riles leads the Big South Conference in rebounding (13.0) and field goal percentage (62.4%). She has posted six double-doubles on the year.
Sophomore guard Grace Blaylock has 26 field goals this year with 20 being three-pointers.
Lindsey Thompson tops the Big South in free throw percentage at 91.9% (34-of-37).
