Asheville Hosts Gardner-Webb in Battle of the Bulldogs Doubleheadder

THE MATCHUP

Teams: Asheville (13-3, 6-1 BSC)

Gardner-Webb (10-6, 4-2 BSC)

Location: Kimmel Arena / Asheville, N.C.

Time: 2:00 p.m.

ASHEVILLE – The UNC Asheville Women's Basketball team hosts Gardner-Webb University at 2:00 p.m. in the battle of the Bulldogs, a doubleheader event in Kimmel Arena on January 16. The UNC Asheville Men's Basketball team will also entertain Gardner-Webb immediately following the Women's game at 4:30p.m.

NOTABLES

Head-to Head: This is the twenty-third meeting between Asheville and GWU. In the 2014-15 regular season, the Bulldogs split with Gardner-Webb, with Asheville winning 64-55 in Boiling Springs, and the Runnin' Bulldogs taking the game in Asheville 66-58.

All Hands on Deck: In Tuesday's win over Longwood, the Asheville offense tapped into their depth on the bench and saw at least three points from 11 different Bulldogs. Asheville was led by Tianna Knuckles with 14 points. She was joined in double figures by Chatori Major (12 points) and Khaila Webb (11 points).

Battle of the Boards: Asheville currently leads the conference in rebounding, averaging 41.9 per game, GWU is just behind them in third, averaging 39.8 boards per game. Since the loss of Asheville's leading rebounder, K.J. Weaver (6.1 boards per game) due to injury, the Bulldogs have made adjustments to cover the glass. Ja'Da Brayboy and Paige Love currently lead the Bulldogs in rebounds, with an average of 4.1 and 4.0 boards per game, respectively. Weaver is expected to return in the regular season.

QUOTEABLES FROM HEAD COACH BRENDA MOCK KIRKPATRICK

On Gardner-Webb: “Gardner-Webb is one of the best teams in the league and they are among the nation's best rebounding teams and rank in the top 10 in free throws attempted this season. Playing disciplined defense and keeping them off the glass are both a must for us tomorrow.”

On the Doubleheader: “We are also hosting several elementary school students from across Buncombe County who participated in the annual Rocky's Readers program over their break for the doubleheader which should add to an already exciting environment.”

UP NEXT

-Following Saturday's doubleheader, the UNC Asheville Women's basketball team will travel to High Point, North Carolina for a conference contest with the Panthers on Saturday, January 23 at 2:00 p.m.