University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Saturday, February 19
Asheville, N.C.
4:30 PM
UNC Asheville
vs
Winthrop
Men’s basketball hosts rival Winthrop Saturday afternoon at Kimmel
02.18.2022 | Men's Basketball
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – After a two-game road swing, the UNC Asheville men's basketball team returns home to Kimmel Arena on Saturday afternoon, hosting rival Winthrop at approximately 4:30 p.m.
Who: UNC Asheville (15-11, 7-6 Big South) vs. Winthrop (18-8, 11-2 Big South)
When: Saturday (2/18) at 4:30 p.m. or 30 minutes following the conclusion of the women's game (2:00 PM)
Where: Asheville, North Carolina – Kimmel Arena
How to Follow
Watch: ESPN+/ESPN3
Listen: 570 WWNC
Stats: Live
Timeline
The day will open up with women's basketball against USC Upstate at 2:00 p.m., as we celebrate Nadiria Evans on her senior day. Tip-off between UNC Asheville men's basketball and Winthrop will be approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the women's contest.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Day
Saturday's game(s) will be UNC Asheville Athletics' Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) day. As part of the celebration, student-athletes and staff will be wearing shirts with the hashtag #together to signify that the Bulldogs are all one, supportive unit. Additionally, staff will be wearing special DEI pins to promote the special day.
$5 February, Blue Out & Salute to Service Saturday
A reminder, tickets for all basketball games this month are just $5 as a part of UNC Asheville's "$5 February" promotion. To purchase tickets ahead of time, click here. Fans, faculty and staff are all invited and encouraged to wear blue as we make Saturday a "Blue Out"! Additionally, any active or retired member of the military will receive free admission with a valid military ID.
Going Streaking
Wednesday's 85-66 win at Charleston Southern gave Asheville its first three-game win streak of the calendar year and its third such streak this season. The win also improved the Bulldogs' record to 5-2 on the road in conference play, giving them the most road victories in league play since the 2016-17 season.
Pacing the League
The Bulldogs continue to defend the 3-pointer at an elite level, ranking fifth in the country (27.3%) in that category. For the season, Asheville leads Big South teams in blocks (131), blocks per game (5.0), free throws made (382), 3-pointers per game (8.3) and made 3-pointers (216). In conference play, Drew Pember has been dominant, leading the league with 20.4 points per game and 88 made free throws, while ranking second in rebounds per game (7.5), field goals made (80), field-goal percentage (52.6%), blocks (35) and blocks per game (2.7).
Series History
Winthrop leads the all-time series 46-37, the last three matchups have been decided by six points or less, including an 86-80 Eagle win back in January in Rock Hill. Last season, it was the Bulldogs who threw a wrench in Winthrop's perfect season, defeating the Eagles 57-55 for Asheville's first win in the series since February 22, 2018, which was also the last time the two teams met in Kimmel Arena.
Scouting the Eagles
Winthrop currently sits atop the South Division standings, holding a record of 11-2 in Big South play. The Eagles enter Saturday riding a five-game winning streak and scoring an 81-70 win at Gardner-Webb Wednesday night. Winthrop's efficiency from the floor (48.3%, 16th DI) is largely due to Preseason Player of the Year D.J. Burns Jr. who is shooting 61.9 percent from the floor on the season and 60.7 percent in league play. The Eagles have defended conference foes well, holding them to 41.3 percent from the floor (2nd) while shooting 34.8 percent from the floor (3rd). Winthrop has a propensity to turn the ball over, averaging a league-high 16.0 per game.
Who: UNC Asheville (15-11, 7-6 Big South) vs. Winthrop (18-8, 11-2 Big South)
When: Saturday (2/18) at 4:30 p.m. or 30 minutes following the conclusion of the women's game (2:00 PM)
Where: Asheville, North Carolina – Kimmel Arena
How to Follow
Watch: ESPN+/ESPN3
Listen: 570 WWNC
Stats: Live
Timeline
The day will open up with women's basketball against USC Upstate at 2:00 p.m., as we celebrate Nadiria Evans on her senior day. Tip-off between UNC Asheville men's basketball and Winthrop will be approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the women's contest.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Day
Saturday's game(s) will be UNC Asheville Athletics' Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) day. As part of the celebration, student-athletes and staff will be wearing shirts with the hashtag #together to signify that the Bulldogs are all one, supportive unit. Additionally, staff will be wearing special DEI pins to promote the special day.
$5 February, Blue Out & Salute to Service Saturday
A reminder, tickets for all basketball games this month are just $5 as a part of UNC Asheville's "$5 February" promotion. To purchase tickets ahead of time, click here. Fans, faculty and staff are all invited and encouraged to wear blue as we make Saturday a "Blue Out"! Additionally, any active or retired member of the military will receive free admission with a valid military ID.
Going Streaking
Wednesday's 85-66 win at Charleston Southern gave Asheville its first three-game win streak of the calendar year and its third such streak this season. The win also improved the Bulldogs' record to 5-2 on the road in conference play, giving them the most road victories in league play since the 2016-17 season.
Pacing the League
The Bulldogs continue to defend the 3-pointer at an elite level, ranking fifth in the country (27.3%) in that category. For the season, Asheville leads Big South teams in blocks (131), blocks per game (5.0), free throws made (382), 3-pointers per game (8.3) and made 3-pointers (216). In conference play, Drew Pember has been dominant, leading the league with 20.4 points per game and 88 made free throws, while ranking second in rebounds per game (7.5), field goals made (80), field-goal percentage (52.6%), blocks (35) and blocks per game (2.7).
Series History
Winthrop leads the all-time series 46-37, the last three matchups have been decided by six points or less, including an 86-80 Eagle win back in January in Rock Hill. Last season, it was the Bulldogs who threw a wrench in Winthrop's perfect season, defeating the Eagles 57-55 for Asheville's first win in the series since February 22, 2018, which was also the last time the two teams met in Kimmel Arena.
Scouting the Eagles
Winthrop currently sits atop the South Division standings, holding a record of 11-2 in Big South play. The Eagles enter Saturday riding a five-game winning streak and scoring an 81-70 win at Gardner-Webb Wednesday night. Winthrop's efficiency from the floor (48.3%, 16th DI) is largely due to Preseason Player of the Year D.J. Burns Jr. who is shooting 61.9 percent from the floor on the season and 60.7 percent in league play. The Eagles have defended conference foes well, holding them to 41.3 percent from the floor (2nd) while shooting 34.8 percent from the floor (3rd). Winthrop has a propensity to turn the ball over, averaging a league-high 16.0 per game.
Players Mentioned
F
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