University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
Winston-Salem State
Riles Leads Bulldogs to 83-74 Win over Winston-Salem State
11.12.2011 | Women's Basketball
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Kelli Riles scored 21 points and collected 24 rebounds to lead UNC Asheville to an 83-74 opening day win over Winston-Salem State at Kimmel Arena Saturday afternoon.
Riles was one of four players in double figures for the Bulldogs (1-0). She also went 13-of-13 from the free throw line. The 13-of-13 effort just misses the school record of 14-of-14 from Tara McMinn set in the 1990-91 season. Riles is the first Asheville player to record a 20-20 since Sheila Ford accomplished the feat in the 1983-84 season.
Riles had a lot of help on the day as three Bulldogs missed the game due to injuries. Lindsey Thompson finished with 22 points and seven assists. Grace Blaylock knocked down six long three-pointers for 18 points. Freshman Tacey Trammel gave Asheville a lift with 13 points and five steals.
The Lady Rams (0-1) were led by Taylar Wells with 24 points. She was 8-of-14 from the field and 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. Jasmine Newkirk finished with 17 points. Courtney Medley contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds.
"I'm really happy to get a win today," stated Asheville coach Betsy Blose. "We were a little short-handed but our team really stepped up and found a way to be a well-coached Winston-Salem State team.
"Kelli Riles was just awesome," added Blose. "She got about every rebound she could. However, Kelli had a lot of help today. Lindsey Thompson played a nice game and Grace hit some big three-pointers for us. Tacey Trammel did a nice job as a freshman.
"But everyone who played helped and contributed," Blose also said. "We had a young line-up out there late in the game and they made plays both on offense and defense to win the game."
Asheville led from start to finish but a 12-point lead dwindled to 67-65 on a Newkirk jumper with 6:30 left.
However, the Bulldog defense buckled up. Two free throws from reserve Gentry Manely pushed the lead to 69-65. And then Thompson scored on a lay-up and a three-pointer to give the Bulldogs a 74-65 advantage. Riles hit two free throws to conclude the 9-0 run and give Asheville a 76-65 lead.
The Bulldogs pushed the lead to 15 before settling for the nine-point win.
Asheville plays next at Western Carolina Wednesday night at 7 p.m.
