University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Asheville Welcomes Liberty in First Place Showdown
02.12.2016 | Women's Basketball
THE MATCHUP
Teams: Asheville (19-4, 12-2 BSC)
Liberty University (15-8, 12-2 BSC)
Location: Kimmel Arena /Asheville, N.C.
Time: 2:00 p.m.
VIDEO (BSC Network) - LIVE STATS
ASHEVILLE – The UNC Asheville Women's Basketball team hosts Liberty University this Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in a showdown for first place in the Big South Conference.
Saturday's game will also be Haywood County Appreciation Day. All Haywood County residents are invited to attend the game as Coach Mock's guests, free of charge. To redeem your free ticket, present your ID at the ticket window.
NOTABLES
Last Time Out: In their first meeting earlier this season on January 4, Liberty handed Asheville their first conference loss after a four game win-streak. Liberty's 18-point victory was fueled by a 22-point performance from Catherine Kearney, who narrowly missed a double-double with 9 rebounds. The Bulldogs went an uncharacteristic 20-of-70 (27 percent) from the floor, sinking only four shots in the first half. Asheville responded in the second half with a 7-0 run in the fourth quarter, but the flames sealed the game at the free throw line, going 10-for-10 from the line in the last three and a half minutes.
Fight for First: Saturday's game determines which team takes control of the Big South Conference standings. Both teams bring a BSC record of 12-2 into the matchup with Liberty winning head-to-head. The Bulldogs and the Flames have been tied for first place since the Bulldogs' loss to Gardner-Webb on January 16 in Kimmel Arena. The two teams have been deadlocked in first place for six straight games.
Total Turnaround: After being selected eighth in the 2015-16 Big South Preseason Poll, Asheville has not dropped below second place since the start of conference play. Asheville's 12 conference wins are a program record, replacing a previous best of nine wins in league play.
QUOTEABLES FROM HEAD COACH BRENDA KIRKPATRICK
On the Hype: “We are obviously excited about tomorrow's game and having the privilege of playing for first place in the league. However, there are six games left in the season and the Big South is not handing out any trophies tomorrow. We have a long way to go and the team is approaching this game like any other. There is an air of excitement that they have earned and so I want them to enjoy that feeling as well. However, when the ball tips the only thing that matters is executing the game plan possession to possession. “
On Liberty: "We are focusing on improving upon how we played not only last Tuesday at Longwood but showing growth since the first time we played Liberty and did not bring our best efforts. Liberty is an outstanding basketball team that presents challenges in many areas not limited to size and rebounding. Coach Green is doing a remarkable job of coaching his kids and finding ways to win in some tough league games this year. Tomorrow's game promotion is Haywood County Appreciation Day and I am hopeful that many from the county that I grew up in will come over and support our team tomorrow as well!"
UP NEXT
-Following Saturday's game, the Bulldog's will host Radford University on Tuesday, February 16 at 7:00p.m. Tuesday's game will be Asheville's Military Night, and anyone who has served or is currently serving are invited to attend free of charge.
