University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
5-4,0-0Big South
Bluefield (Va.)
0-4
Morrell Earns 100th Career Win With 92-46 Win Over Bluefield
12.11.2024 | Men's Basketball
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Mike Morrell became the quickest basketball coach – men's or women's – in UNC Asheville history to reach 100 wins on Wednesday with a 92-46 victory over Bluefield in Kimmel Arena.
A lot of great players since I have been here. Grateful for the support and people that help and support us everyday! See you Saturday…we need a loud Kimmel!! #IWWD https://t.co/TAM5kDF7ES
— Mike Morrell (@CoachMMorrell) December 12, 2024
All 12 Bulldogs that entered the game on Wednesday made their way into the scoring column, with Connor Dubsky leading the way with 23 points, going 6-12 from the field, 5-10 from 3-point range, and 6-6 from the free throw line. Toyaz Solomon and Kameron Taylor followed with 14 points each. Solomon led Asheville under the basket with eight boards and two blocks, and Taylor had five boards, four assists, and two steals.
Javoy Thompson with a dunk from CoJo!
— Asheville Basketball (@UNCAvlMBB) December 11, 2024
Every Bulldog who has entered the game now has an assist AND at least one point!#ALLinAVL #IWWD pic.twitter.com/lMDZqhtBB1
Julian Clarke had eight points, going 2-3 from 3-point range. Following Clarke were Jordan Marsh, Greg Gantt Jr. and Corey Jones, who each earned seven points. Marsh led the team with seven assists. Sage Tolentino was Asheville's second-leading rebounder with seven.
As a team, the Bulldogs shot 55.7% from the field. Asheville forced 19 turnovers, which led to 23 points. Asheville outshot Bluefield in the paint 42-12 and 24-5 off fast break points. Asheville's bench scored 43 points, while the Rams' bench had 17.
Back-to-back 3-pointers from Fletcher Abee and Connor Dubsky opened Wednesday's game, and the Bulldogs offense kept their foot on the gas as they led 13-0 three minutes into the contest. With 12:55 remaining in the first half, the Bulldogs had extended their lead out 27-1. Bluefield made their first basket from the field a minute later and followed with a 6-2 run to bring Asheville's lead down to 20. A couple of free throws from Bluefield with 7:56 remaining in the half brought Asheville's lead back down to the teens, but the Bulldogs responded with a 9-0 run to make the score 40-13. A driving layup from Dubsky gave the Bulldogs a 30-point lead with 2:29 to go, and Asheville closed the half ahead 56-24.
Dubsky opened the second half with a 3-pointer, and Taylor followed with his first of three dunks in the half.
Big dunk from Kam!#ALLinAVL #IWWD pic.twitter.com/uriRQPBWgU
— Asheville Basketball (@UNCAvlMBB) December 11, 2024
With halfway to go in the second frame, Clark connected for his second 3-pointer of the half to give the Bulldogs a 40-point lead (76-36). Gantt followed with a layup, and the Bulldogs led by 41 points or more for the rest of the contest.
With Wednesday's win, Asheville advances to 5-4 on the season. The Bulldogs will be back in action on Saturday, Dec. 14, as they take on Western Carolina University at 2 p.m.
