Bulldogs Face App State in Asheville Collegiate Basketball Invitational

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The UNC Asheville women's basketball team is back in action Saturday afternoon as they take part in the Asheville Collegiate Basketball Invitational at Kimmel Arena. The Bulldogs face Appalachian State in the second game of a double-header at 4:30 p.m. Wofford battles Radford at 2 p.m. Both games will be televised locally by WMYA-40 and be video-streamed at www.uncabulldogs.com.

The invitational features teams from the Big South and Southern Conference squaring off against each other.

Asheville (2-4) has a stern challenge awaiting them against a powerful Appalachian State team that is 6-1 on the season. The Apps have won six straight and won at Western Carolina Monday night, 82-46. They're ranked 17^th in the latest Mid-Major poll and won the regular-season title last year in the Southern Conference.

The Bulldogs have not played since Nov. 30 when they fell to USC Upstate, 73-66. Asheville has been in exams this week.

"We know we have a real challenge in playing Appalachian State," commented Bulldog coach Betsy Blose. "They're very good in all areas of the game, and we're going to have to play extremely well on Saturday.

"However, we're looking forward to Saturday," added Blose. "This is a great day for women's basketball in Asheville. We're looking forward to hosting these two games in our new Kimmel Arena."

The Bulldogs are being led this season by junior forward Kelli Riles. She leads the nation in rebounding with a 13.6 average after grabbing Big South-record 28 rebounds against USC Upstate. Riles tops the team in scoring with a 12.8 average and is shooting .591 (26-of-44) from the field. Senior guard Lindsey Thompson is averaging 12 points per game.

ASU is led by junior forward Anna Freeman with a 15.7 scoring average. The Mountaineers have won five of their six games during this streak by more than 20 points.

Fans who bring an unwrapped Christmas present to Saturday's games will receive free admission as part of the St. Nicholas Project with Eblen Charities.

Santa Claus is scheduled to make an appearance.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $2 for ages 6-17 and free for ages 5 and under.

In the first game, Wofford from the Southern Conference takes on Radford from the Big South Conference. The Terriers are 6-2 on the year with junior guard Morgan Wrightston leading the way with a 13.5 scoring average.

The Highlanders are led by junior guard Da'Naria Erwin Spencer with an 18.4 scoring average. RU is 4-3 on the season.