University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
2-2,0-0Big South
Virginia U. of Lynchburg
0-4
Abee breaks 3-point record en route to a 114-59 Bulldog victory
11.18.2023 | Men's Basketball
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Fletcher Abee opened Saturday's game with four consecutive triples to help lead UNC Asheville men's basketball to a 114-59 victory over Virginia University of Lynchburg in Kimmel Arena.
Abee finished the day with 32 points and nine 3-pointers, breaking the school record for most 3-pointers in a single game, which was held at eight 3-pointers by seven different Bulldogs. Abee recorded career-highs in points scored, field goals made (10), field goals attempted (17), 3-point field goals made, and 3-point field goals attempted (15). Abee's nine triples also led the team to tie the program record for most team 3-pointers in a game with 19.
Four other Bulldogs joined Abee in double-figure scoring, with Evan Johnson finishing with 13 points and five assists, Dean Gabrelcik recording 12 points off four triples, and Josh Banks and Toyaz Solomon rounding out the double-figure scoring with 10 points apiece. Solomon finished with a double-double as he recorded 11 boards and added three blocks to his stat line. Drew Pember finished with nine points, seven rebounds, five assists, and six blocks; Nick McMullen also recorded seven rebounds, adding six points and three assists, and Caleb Burgess finished with five assists.
Asheville finished with 38 points in the paint, 28 points off turnovers, and 52 bench points.
Jahmir Brown led the Dragons with 16 points.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Abee's four 3-pointers helped Asheville to a 12-0 run to start Saturday's contest, and the Dragons did not find the back of the net until nearly five minutes into the game. A 3-pointer from Brown helped Lynchburg on the board, but Pember answered with a triple of his own to extend Asheville's lead back out to 16 (19-3).
The Bulldogs reached a 20-point lead following a jumper from Solomon with 10:34 remaining in the first half (31-11). With 7:02 remaining in the half, Abee recorded his fifth triple of the day and drew a foul when attempting another three-pointer with 5:41. Abee sank all three free throws to help Asheville extend its lead to 31 points (48-18). Abee scored another triple nearly 30 seconds later, rounding out a 10-2 run in which he scored nine of the 10 points (52-18). Asheville entered halftime leading 63-26.
Abee returned to work in the second half, opening the scoring with his seventh triple of the day and followed with his eighth at the 17:25 mark (71-28). Abee secured the single game 3-point record with 15:18 remaining in the contest, with his final three-pointer of the day helping Asheville to a 53-point lead (81-28).
For a second consecutive time, a triple from Gabrelcik helped Asheville pass the century mark, as Asheville led 101-46 with 6:59 remaining. The Bulldogs closed the game with 16 points, while the Dragons scored eight.
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs will head to Montreal, Canada, next week to participate in the Northern Classic. Asheville's first opponent will be the Lipscomb Bisons on Friday, Nov. 24, at 2 p.m. ET.
