University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Bulldogs Travel to Presbyterian on Thursday Night
02.17.2016 | Men's Basketball
THE MATCHUP
Teams: Asheville (17-9, 10-4 BSC)
Presbyterian (8-17, 3-11 BSC)
Location: Templeton Center / Clinton, S.C.
Time: 7:00 p.m.
VIDEO (Big South Network) - AUDIO (Bulldog Radio Network) - LIVE STATS
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – After a week off, UNC Asheville looks to keep pace atop the Big South Conference standings on Thursday night when the Bulldogs travel to face Presbyterian as the regular season draws nearer to the end line.
Asheville had one three games in a row prior to last Thursday's home loss to Radford, while Presbyterian has lost seven games in a row and nine of its last 10 overall. The Bulldogs took the teams' first meeting of the season by a 67-55 score back on January 23 inside Kimmel Arena.
NOTABLES
Defending the Three: Asheville has all but eliminated opponents' use of the three-ball this season, holding foes to 28.6 percent shooting from long range, a mark that is fourth-best in the nation. The league record for 3FG defense is 27.5 percent (Coastal Carolina in 2009-10), and the Bulldogs currently own the second-best percentage allowed in Big South history.
Sneaky Thieves: The Bulldogs have used their length to force turnovers all season, as their 241 total steals ranking seventh nationally and first in the Big South Conference. In addition to the total number of steals, Asheville has remained consistent with its thievery, forcing an average of 9.3 steals per game (8th-most in the country).
First to 10: Asheville was the first team with 10 conference wins this season - the Bulldogs' record-tying ninth consecutive campaign with double-digit Big South victories.
Jumping out the Gates: Asheville (along with High Point) opened the Big South schedule 5-0, the first time the league had two 5-0 teams since 2010-11 and just the fourth time overall. Teams that have started 5-0 in league games have reached the Big South Championship game 17 times - winning the title 10 times, including UNC Asheville in 2011-12.
In the Series: Thursday's meeting will be the 25th meeting all-time between Asheville and Presbyterian, with the Bulldogs leading 17-7 in the series. The series dates all the way back to the 1968-69 season - a Bulldog 97-91 home victory.
UP NEXT
-Following Thursday's game, Asheville will have a short turnaround to prepare for a Saturday noon tipoff at Winthrop. Saturday's game will be carried by the American Sports Network.
