UNC Asheville Opens Big South Conference Play vs. Radford on Monday

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The UNC Asheville women's basketball team opens Big South Conference play Monday night when the Bulldogs host Radford at Justice Center starting at 7 p.m. Monday's game will be video-streamed and can be seen for a small fee at www.uncabulldogs.com.

Asheville (7-4, 0-0 BSC) comes into the game with the Highlanders with its best non-conference record in four seasons. The Bulldogs are on a two-game win streak after defeating North Carolina Central Wednesday night on the road,

"We've done a nice job overall in non-conference play but Monday begins a whole new season," stated Asheville coach Betsy Blose. "We still have a lot of work to do and we're going to have to be at our best when we host a dangerous Radford team on Monday."

Radford (3-10, 0-0 BSC) will be trying to snap a five-game losing streak on Monday. They are led by guard Danaria Erwin Spencer with a 13.0 scoring.

"Radford's record is incredibly deceiving," stated Asheville coach Besty Blose. "They've played a very tough schedule and lost some close games. We've always had tough games with them, and I expect it to be another close game on Monday."

The Bulldogs have four players scoring in double figures. Lindsey Montgomery tops the club with a 16.6 average, while Kendall Shepard is averaging 16 points per game. Lindsey Thompson averaged 15.9 points per game, while Kelli Riles is averaging a double-double. She has a 12.9 scoring average and 11.5 rebounding mark. Her rebounding marks tops the Big South.

Radford leads the all-time series 40-16 but Asheville has won eight of its last 10 meetings at Justice Center. The teams split home wins last year. The Highlanders won at the Dedmon Center, 61-50 before Asheville rallied past RU, 75-68 in overtime late in the regular season.

BULLDOG NOTES

UNC Asheville won just eight games last season but has almost matched that win total this year with a 7-4 record.

Kelli Riles leads the Big South Conference in rebounding (11.5) and field goal percentage (60.6%)

The Bulldogs have won four of their last six Big South Conference openers.

Asheville is 4-2 at home this year.

Lindsey Thompson leads the Big South in free throw percentage at 91.9 percent (34-of-37).