University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
6-9,0-1Big South
High Point
13-3,1-0Big South
Bulldogs Drop Big South Opener to High Point
12.31.2025 | Men's Basketball
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The UNC Asheville men's basketball team closed out 2025 by opening Big South Conference play on Wednesday afternoon, falling 87–69 to High Point in Kimmel Arena.
High Point jumped out to an early advantage behind efficient shooting in the first half, building a 49–34 lead at the break. The Panthers shot 71.4 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes and connected on seven three-pointers to create separation.
UNC Asheville battled throughout the second half, cutting the deficit to 10 points on multiple occasions, including a strong stretch midway through the frame that saw the Bulldogs go on a 15-5 run. Kameron Taylor paced the Bulldogs with a game-high 21 points–with 14 of his points coming in the second half–and added six rebounds and two assists, while Justin Wright finished with 18 points on 6-of-17 shooting and led the team with three assists. DJ Patrick was the final Bulldog to reach double-digit points as he had 11, going 4-of-6 from the field, all while dealing with early foul trouble.
Both teams suffered early foul trouble, as there were 25 fouls combined in the first half, while just 14 in the second. High Point finished 19-for-26 (73.1%) from the free throw line while Asheville went 15-of-24 (62.5%).
The Bulldogs held a slight edge in points in the paint (40–38) and second-chance points (12–9), but High Point's shooting efficiency and 20 bench points proved to be the difference. Asheville finished with a 44.6% field goal percentage (25-for-56), while High Point shot 61.7% (29-of-47). The Panthers connected on 10 3-pointers to finish 10-of-19 from 3-point range (52.6%) while Asheville went 4-of-16 from distance.
UNC Asheville moves to 6–9 overall and 0–1 in Big South play, while High Point improves to 13–3 and 1–0 in conference action.
The Bulldogs will travel to Charleston Southern on Saturday (Jan. 3) for a 2 p.m. matchup in the Buccaneer Fieldhouse.
