University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
1-2,0-0Big South
Carolina University
0-2
Bulldogs Defeat Bruins for First Win of Season
11.14.2023 | Men's Basketball
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Eleven Bulldogs found their way into the scoring column, six made it to double-figures, and two recorded double-figure assists to help the UNC Asheville men's basketball team defeat Carolina University 117-54 Tuesday evening in Kimmel Arena.
Tuesday marked Asheville's first victory of the season as the Bulldogs move to 1-2. The Bulldogs' 117 points against the Bruins marks the most points scored by a Big South team this season.
Toyaz Solomon led Asheville in the scoring column with 16 points, tacking on eight rebounds. Jamon Battle and Davion Cunningham followed with 15 points each, Evan Johnson recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 assists, and in 13 minutes of play, Drew Pember registered 13 points, six rebounds, three steals, and two assists. Caleb Burgess nearly recorded a double-double with 10 assists and nine points, and Josh Banks rounded out the Bulldogs in double figures with 11 points.
The Bulldogs scored 64 points off the bench, 72 points in the paint, and 28 points off turnovers.
Asheville kept Carolina silent through the first 5:23 of play as the Bulldogs led 18-0. Two free throws from Banks helped Asheville earn a 20-point lead with 9:49 remaining in the half (28-8). A dunk from Nick McMullen with 5:38 remaining helped Asheville increase its lead to 30 points (44-14). Asheville led 59-20 at halftime.
Out of the break, Banks connected for a triple to help Asheville extend its lead to 42 points, and it did not take long until a triple from Johnson, with 14:38 remaining in the contest, helped Asheville to a 50-point lead (77-27). A three-pointer from Dean Gabrelcik helped Asheville break the century mark with under seven minutes remaining (101-46). Asheville closed out the game by scoring 16 points, while the Bruins scored eight.
All 11 Bulldogs that stepped onto the court found their way into the scoring column, with Fletcher Abee registering five points, McMullen finishing with seven points and eight rebounds, Gabrelcik finishing with five points, Rasheed Baldwin recording four points, and Trent Stephney finished with three points.
Asheville will return to Kimmel Arena on Saturday, Nov. 18, as they host Virginia University of Lynchburg at 2 p.m. After Saturday's game, Asheville hits the road for the Montreal Northern Classic Nov. 24-26.
