Women's Basketball Hosts Montreat on Saturday

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The UNC Asheville women's basketball team returns to Kimmel Arena on Saturday when the Bulldogs host Montreat College starting at 2 p.m. Saturday's game will be broadcast locally on 880-AM radio with the pre-game show starting at 1:45 p.m. The game will also be video-streamed and can be seen for a small fee at www.uncabulldogs.com.

Asheville (1-1) is coming off a frustrating loss at Western Carolina Wednesday night as the Bulldogs fell, 65-53 to the Lady Cats. Betsy Blose's club led by 11 points late in the first half but went ice cold in the second half. Asheville scored just 22 points in the second half.

"I thought we played really well and with a lot of energy in the first half," said Asheville head coach Betsy Blose. "Western finished the first half on a 6-0 run and then came out with a lot more energy in the second half, controlling the tempo and taking away the three. They just came out with a lot more heart and energy in the second half."

The Bulldogs will face a stiff challenge in the Cavaliers tomorrow afternoon. Montreat is 3-1 on the season with its only loss being a 75-58 decision at Campbell on Saturday. Blose is impressed with Montreat's club.

"Montreat has a very good team. They're well-coached and their guards are tough to defend," explained Blose. "Montreat likes to mix up its defense and on offense they use a lot of 1-4 sets to give you problems. We had a tough time last season beating them, and I expect another close game on Saturday."

The Bulldogs lead the series 5-0 and won last year's meeting at Justice Center, 78-65 behind 22 points from Lindsey Thompson. The Cavaliers were led by Chaecie Bullock with 20 points.

After Saturday's contest, Asheville is on the road for its next two games. The Bulldogs travel to Furman Monday night and George Mason on Nov. 27. Blose's club returns home on Nov. 30 to host USC Upstate.

BULLDOG NOTES

Asheville has won two straight home games dating back to last season, one at Justice Center and Saturday's win over Winston-Salem State at Kimmel Arena.

Kelli Riles is second in the Big South in rebounding with a 14.0 average.

Grace Blaylock leads Asheville in scoring with a 15.5 average. She is 10-for-18 from the field and all 10 field goals are three-pointers.

The Bulldogs lead the conference in free throw percentage at .750 (27-of-36).

Betsy Blose is 5-0 all-time vs. Montreat.