University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
14-9,6-2Big South
Gardner-Webb
11-12,6-2Big South
Men’s Basketball Unable to Hold onto First Half Lead; Drops Road Contest to Gardner-Webb
01.31.2024 | Men's Basketball
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Despite leading for most of Wednesday night's contest, the UNC Asheville men's basketball team fell on the road to Gardner-Webb University 80-73.
ON THE COURT
Gardner-Webb took the lead out of the gate, but a jumper from Fletcher Abee helped the Bulldogs earn the lead 9-8. There would be six lead changes over the next four minutes of action, but a trip to the free throw line after getting fouled shooting a 3-pointer for Josh Banks secured the lead for Asheville for the rest of the half. Banks followed with a traditional 3-pointer, and Toyaz Solomon connected for a layup to help Asheville lead by eight (26-18).
A layup from Jamon Battle would extend Asheville's lead out to nine, but GWU followed with an 8-0 run to bring the score within one (30-29). Asheville never lost its lead for the remainder of the half but could only extend it by five, as the Bulldogs entered the second half leading 46-41.
Gardner-Webb did not allow Asheville to extend its lead past five points in the opening minutes of the second frame, and the Runnin' Bulldogs worked their way into the lead with 15:51 remaining in the contest. Back-to-back jumpers helped the Runnin' Bulldogs pull ahead 55-52. Asheville quickly responded with an 11-0 run to retake an eight-point lead (63-55). A layup from Banks sparked Asheville's run, and it was followed by a successful trip to the charity stripe for Abee after getting fouled while shooting a 3-pointer. Trent Stephney and Solomon connected for back-to-back jumpers, and Greg Gantt Jr. rounded out the run with a layup.
With 6:54 remaining in the contest, GWU went on a 5-0 run to trail Asheville by three (69-66). Banks extended the Bulldogs' lead to five, but back-to-back baskets helped Gardner-Webb within one. The Runnin' Bulldogs went on to take a one-point lead before a trip to the free throw line from Banks tied the score at 72. Gardner-Webb responded with a jumper to retake the lead and took advantage of three Asheville turnovers and cold shooting for the Bulldogs to extend their lead out to seven and perform the comeback victory.
IN THE BOX
Banks led all scorers with 21 points, going 6-for-9 from the field and 3-for-4 from distance. He was followed by Drew Pember and Fletcher Abee, who each scored 13 points. Solomon rounded out the scoring with 10 points and led Asheville with seven boards. Caleb Burgess led the team with four assists.
The Runnin' Bulldogs outshot Asheville in the field, with 28 of their 39 points in the second half coming in the paint. The Bulldogs finished 25 for 53 (.472), and Gardner Webb finished 31 for 58 (.534). GWU took advantage of 15 Asheville turnovers compared to its nine and outscored Asheville on turnovers 17 to 9.
UP NEXT
With Wednesday's loss, Asheville's record falls to 14-9 (6-2 Big South).
The Bulldogs return to Kimmel Arena on Saturday, Feb. 3, to take on the Winthrop Eagles at 2 p.m.
