UNC Asheville’s Tournament Run Ends in Quarterfinal Loss to High Point

The UNC Asheville women’s basketball team saw their Big South Conference Championship aspirations cut short on Thursday, March 6th, as they fell to the top-seeded High Point Panthers in the quarterfinals. The final score was 85-57, marking a decisive victory for High Point. What transpired was a game that, despite moments of resilience from Asheville, was ultimately dominated by the Panthers’ strong start and consistent performance, ending the bulldogs season.It all happened in the Big South Tournament.The game took at place in Johnson City, Tenn.

High Point asserted their dominance early, controlling the first quarter from the opening tip-off. They quickly established a commanding 24-9 lead within the first 10 minutes, leaving Asheville struggling to find their rhythm. How did this happen? High Point’s aggressive offense and stifling defense proved too much for the Bulldogs to handle in the initial stages, putting Asheville’s team in a large points deficit.Asheville’s team found their self down big early looking for solutions for the rest of the contest.The game started on March, 6

However, the Bulldogs refused to be easily defeated. They mounted a comeback in the second quarter, showcasing their fighting spirit and determination. Asheville outscored High Point 21-15 in the second frame, fueled by a renewed sense of urgency and improved offensive execution. This impressive run narrowed the deficit to just nine points as the teams headed into halftime.Who lead this comeback you might want to know. The charge was lead whole team effort with everyone contributing with great performance.It all happened in the second period.

Asheville’s Second-Quarter Surge

The second quarter witnessed a significant momentum shift. High Point initially extended their lead to as many as 17 points, threatening to put the game out of reach. Yet, Asheville responded with an inspiring 13-4 run, demonstrating their ability to compete with the top seed. This surge was a testament to their resilience and tactical adjustments, chipping away at the deficit bucket by bucket. Why was this important, this play was needed to bring Asheville’s team back into the game.This happened because of the Bulldogs persistence.The team got as close as five in this period.

The Bulldogs’ defensive intensity also played a crucial role in their second-quarter comeback. They applied increased pressure, forcing turnovers and disrupting High Point’s offensive flow. This allowed Asheville to claw their way back into the game, getting as close as five points late in the quarter. The fluctuations in the lead over the next few minutes added to the drama and uncertainty of the contest.When did this happen? This back and forth happened in the second frame of the game.

High Point Regains Control in the Third

Unfortunately for Asheville, their momentum proved unsustainable in the third quarter. High Point reasserted their dominance, tightening their defense and finding their offensive rhythm once again. The Bulldogs struggled to find the basket, managing only nine points in the entire quarter. This allowed High Point to pull away decisively, effectively putting the game beyond reach.Where was this performance from Asheville’s team,Asheville’s team struggled on the offensive side with scoring a dismal nine points in the third quarter.This happened because of High Points defense.

Fourth-Quarter Effort and Final Score

Despite the significant deficit, Asheville continued to battle in the fourth quarter. They scored 18 points to High Point’s 20, demonstrating their commitment to fighting until the final buzzer. However, the gap was simply too large to overcome, and the game concluded with a final score of 85-57 in favor of High Point.The margin was 28 points in the contest, with some good play happening from both teams.The game took place in on court, High Point came out with the win.

The game saw Asheville shoot 34.0 percent (18-54) from the field, 28.6 percent (4-14) from long range, and 70.8 percent (17-24) from the foul line. While these shooting percentages weren’t exceptional, they did manage to outperform High Point in certain areas. How were they able to keep the game interesting, this happened on March, 6.The Bulldogs was good on the foul line in the contest.

Key Statistical Highlights

Notably, the Bulldogs outscored High Point 16-10 on second-chance points, showcasing their tenacity on the offensive boards. They also capitalized on turnovers, scoring 17 points off High Point’s mistakes. Additionally, Asheville generated 26 points in the paint, six points off fast breaks, and a significant 28 points from their bench players.The Bench was able to lead the way with 28 points, what a performance from the bench to help keep Asheville’s team in the contest.This all happened on Thursday

Sydney Burris led the Bulldogs with an impressive double-double, contributing 11 points and 10 rebounds. This marked her third double-double of the season, highlighting her consistency and importance to the team. Dakota McCaughan also added 11 points, while Abigail Wilson chipped in with 10.The women fought hard on the court. The team got there in the playoffs.

Individual Performances of Note

Trinity Barnes matched her Asheville career-high with eight points, demonstrating her growth and potential. Alana Swift contributed seven points, and Skylar Bailey added six points. Taylor Wilkins and LaImani Simmons each scored two points, rounding out the scoring for the Bulldogs.How important was team play, everyone played their part.The bench had a great game.

On the rebounding front, Asheville narrowly edged out High Point 33-32. Burris led the way with 10 boards, followed by Deborah Orianegbena with six and McCaughan with four. Wilson, Bailey, and Swift each grabbed three rebounds, while Barnes also secured one.The team played good like that on the boards.This all happened in Johnson City.

Assists, Steals, and Blocks

Burris also dished out two assists, showcasing her all-around contribution to the team. McCaughan, Wilson, Bailey, and Barnes each recorded one assist. McCaughan led the team in steals with three, while Bailey had two, and Wilkins, Wilson, Barnes, and Simmons each had one. Orianegbena contributed the lone block for Asheville.These women played with great defense.This really helped Asheville.

A Look at the Season and a Quote from the Team

Despite the loss, the UNC Asheville women’s basketball team demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the Big South Tournament and the entire season.Asheville finish with playing great all season. While the quarterfinal exit was undoubtedly disappointing, their performance against the top-seeded High Point Panthers showcased their potential and fighting spirit.”Asheville made a state in the big dance tournament.”

‘Asheville shot 34.0 percent (18-54) from the field, 28.6 percent (4-14) from long range and 70.8 percent (17-24) from the foul line in the game. The Bulldogs outscored High Point 16-10 on second chances in the game, while also scoring 17 points off turnovers, 26 points in the paint, six points off fast breaks and 28 points off the bench. Sydney Burris paced the Bulldogs with 11 points and 10 rebounds for her third double-double of the season, while Dakota McCaughan added 11 points and Abigail Wilson also had 10. Trinity Barnes matched her Asheville career-high with eight points in the game, while Alana Swift added seven points and Skylar Bailey had six points. Taylor Wilkins and LaImani Simmons also each had two points in the game. Asheville out-rebounded High Point 33-32 in the game paced by 10 boards from Burris, while Deborah Orianegbena had six rebounds and McCaughan had four. Wilson, Bailey and Swift each had three rebounds in the game, while Barnes also had one. Burris dished out two assists in the game, while McCaughan, Wilson, Bailey and Barnes each had one. McCaughan finished with a team-high three steals in the game, while Bailey had two and Wilkins, Wilson Barnes and Simmons each had one. Orianegbena also had one block in the game for Asheville.’ – From Asheville Athletics covering post game stats and information.