University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
Winthrop
Women's Basketball Falls to Winthrop, 57-54
02.07.2015 | Women's Basketball
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Chatori Major scored 15 points but UNC Asheville came up just short of defeating defending Big South champion Winthrop Saturday afternoon at Kimmel Arena as the Eagles edged the Bulldogs, 57-54.
Asheville (7-17, 6-9 BSC) trailed from the start but had a chance to tie in the final minute but couldn't get two shots to drop. The Bulldogs had a tough time shooting the entire game as they connected on just 33 percent (21-of-64) of their field goal attempts, 21 percent (3-of-14) from beyond the arc and 47 percent (9-of-19) from the free throw line.
Winthrop (13-10, 9-5 BSC) was led by Erica Williams with 17 points. Ailyah Kilpatrick added 14 points. Center Schaquilla Nunn finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds and six blocked shots.
The Eagles led 53-46 with three minutes before Asheville rallied. Shonese Jones sank a long trey to cut the lead to 53-49. Winthrop turned the ball over as Major stole the ball and scored to narrow the Eagle lead to 53-51.
Williams was fouled on the next possession for the Eagles. She sank both free throws to push the lead to 55-51. Another steal by the Bulldogs resulted in a lay-up by KJ Weaver to close to 55-53 at the 1:00 mark.
Asheville forced another turnover as Major stole the ball and was fouled with 50 seconds remaining. She sank the first free throw to make it 55-54. Major missed the second and Winthrop claimed the rebound.
Kilpatrick hit a tough shot in the lane to put the Eagles in front 57-54 with 18 seconds left. The Bulldogs played for the tie and had a good look but Tianna Knuckles' three-pointer rimmed out and Nunn claimed the rebound as time expired.
Winthrop raced out to an 18-7 lead as the Bulldogs struggled from the field early in the contest. Trailing 28-20 with five minutes left in the half, Asheville held Winthrop scoreless and scored the final six points of the half to close to 28-26 at intermission. Major led the run with four points.
UNC Asheville is at home Tuesday evening when the Bulldogs host Campbell at Kimmel Arena starting at 7 p.m.
