University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville
4-5,0-0Big South
NC State
6-3,0-0ACC
Bulldogs Battle but Fall to NC State
12.06.2025 | Men's Basketball
RALEIGH, N.C. – The UNC Asheville men's basketball team put together a tough performance inside the Lenovo Center on Saturday (Dec. 6), as the Bulldogs squared off with NC State. Asheville trailed by just two at halftime and outshot the Wolfpack from the field in the opening period as well as from 3-point range for the game, but NC State pulled away late to secure a 75–63 victory.
Within the first eight minutes, Justin Wright had scored 10 of Asheville's 14 points, and a successful trip to the free throw line from Toyaz Solomon put the Bulldogs ahead 16–7.
Justin Wright is hot early 🔥@UNCAvlMBB is on an 11-3 run. pic.twitter.com/OKaavnRymw
— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) December 6, 2025
The Wolfpack answered with a 13–0 run to move ahead 20–16. With 6:53 remaining, Kameron Taylor hit a 3-pointer and was fouled on the shot for a chance at a four-point play. Taylor sank the free throw and followed 30 seconds later with a basket in the paint to regain a five-point lead for Asheville (25–20).
KT with a chance for a 4-point play 🔥#ALLinAVL #IWWD pic.twitter.com/jCEqelWwFe
— Asheville Basketball (@UNCAvlMBB) December 6, 2025
NC State responded with a 12–1 run and remained in front for the rest of the half, but not without a push from the Bulldogs, as Taylor connected from deep and Wright knocked down a jumper to make it a one-point contest with 1:09 left. NC State hit a 3-pointer, but a successful trip to the charity stripe for Solomon made it a two-point game at the break (35–33).
At halftime, Wright and Taylor led Asheville with 12 and 10 points, respectively, while Solomon and DJ Patrick followed with eight and three. These four went on to be the Bulldogs' only scorers in the contest. Asheville outshot NC State from the field in the opening period, 40.0% to 35.5%, and from 3-point range, 38.5% to 28.6%.
In the second half, Patrick scored 12 points off four made 3-pointers, and Taylor matched his 10-point first half, with five coming from the charity stripe. NC State's Ven-Allen Lubin scored 19 of the Wolfpack's 40 points in the final 20 minutes. NC State held the lead throughout the half, extending it to as many as 13 points with 4:14 remaining (67–54). Despite the Wolfpack maintaining control, Asheville outrebounded NC State (16–15), held the Pack to three 3-pointers while making five, and sank five free throws compared to NC State's three. The separation came from NC State's 17 made field goals in the period, while Asheville connected on just 10.
For the third consecutive game, Solomon, Taylor, Patrick, and Wright all reached double digits. Taylor led the way with 20 points (5–14 FG, 3–6 3FG, 7–9 FT). Wright followed with 16 (7–18 FG, 2–7 3FG), Patrick registered 15 on five 3-pointers, and Solomon rounded out the scoring with 12 points on 3–of–9 shooting and a 6–of–7 mark at the line. Taylor led the team with seven rebounds, followed by Patrick and Wright with six apiece, and Solomon with five. Taylor also posted a team-high four assists, while Patrick and Solomon added three each. Solomon led with three steals, and Wright tallied two.
Asheville finished 20–of–54 from the field (37.0%), 10–of–24 from 3-point range (41.7%), and 13–of–17 at the line (76.5%). NC State shot 28–of–58 from the field (48.3%), 7–of–24 from beyond the arc (29.2%), and 12–of–15 from the free throw line (80.0%).
Asheville returns to action on Wednesday (Dec. 10), when the Bulldogs host Miami (OH) at 6 p.m. inside Kimmel Arena.
During the month of December, all kids get free admission for non-conference home games in Kimmel Arena (K–12 and younger). Fans who bring a new toy to support Eblen Charity's Toy Drive at Wednesday's game will also receive free admission.
