Women's Basketball Faces Big South-Leader Gardner-Webb Monday Night

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The UNC Asheville women's basketball team won't have long to celebrate its win against Presbyterian College as the Bulldogs host Big South-leader Gardner-Webb Monday night at Justice Center starting at 7 p.m. The game will be video-streamed and can be seen at www.bigsouthsports.com.

Asheville (7-17, 2-9 BSC) posted a 66-59 win over the Blue Hose Saturday afternoon in a game that was regionally televised. The Bulldogs trailed 29-20 but roared back in the second half to get the victory. The victory snapped a nine-game BSC losing streak for Asheville and was much needed.

"We did a great coming back in the second half," explained Asheville coach Betsy Blose. "I didn't like the way we played in the first half but we got things going in the second half and had contributions from everybody. I also thought when the game got close that we played with some poise down the stretch and found a way to win."

Chioma Okoli led the Asheville comeback with 18 points. Lindsey Montgomery posted her 10th double-double of the year with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Freshman guard Grace Blaylock hit some crucial three-pointers in the second half and finished with 13 points. Kendall Shepard added 11 points.

However, the Bulldogs face a tough challenge on Monday with a red-hot Gardner-Webb team coming to Justice Center. The league-leading Runnin' Bulldogs have won nine straight games, including a 74-66 triumph at High Point on Saturday. Gardner-Webb is an impressive 21-3 on the season and 10-1 in league play. Last week, the Runnin' Bulldogs posted road wins at Liberty, Radford and High Point.

"We have our work cut out for us against Gardner-Webb," said Blose. "They have a great team. They're well-coached and can beat you in a lot of different ways. We gave them a pretty good battle at their place for more than a half earlier this year. Hopefully, we can do that for 40 minutes on Monday."

Gardner-Webb started its nine-game winning streak against Asheville on Jan. 9 when it rallied in the second half for a 70-54 victory. The Bulldogs controlled much of the first half and led 27-26 at halftime. The Runnin' Bulldogs seized control of the game midway through the second half with a 20-0 run.

Tickets can be purchased for the game by calling 251-6904 or on-line at www.uncabulldogs.com.