NCCU Comeback Effort Falls Short At UNC Asheville

ASHVILLE, N.C. — North Carolina Central University put together a strong run to cut the deficit down to four at the midway point, but UNC Asheville was able to pull away in the second period for an 82-66 win at Kimmel Arena on Saturday, Dec. 4.

UNCA (5-3) shot efficiently in the first half and opened up an early lead as it knocked down five of its first seven shots. NCCU (3-6) was able to find its footing and rallied to close the half on a 10-5 run to cut the lead down to four, 36-32, at the break.

The Bulldogs continued to shoot well in the second half as they made over half of their attempts, and put together a late run to create the separation they needed for the victory.

Randy Miller Jr. (Odenton, Md.) was one of three Eagles to reach double-digits in scoring, and he posted a team-high 18 points with an 8-for-8 mark at the free-throw line. Eric Boone (Lexington, Ky.) pulled down a team-high six boards with 13 points, five assists, and three steals. Kris Monroe (Raleigh, N.C.) dropped in 12 points for the maroon and gray.

UNC Asheville was led by Tajion Jones (Oak Ridge, Tenn.) who claimed a double-double with 23 points and 10 boards as the leader of four Bulldogs in double-digits. Jamon Battle (Richmond, Va.) contributed 14 points, and Trent Stephney (Knoxville, Tenn.) corralled seven boards to go with 11 points and five assists. LJ Thorpe (West Palm Beach, Fla.) had 10 points and four helpers for the Bulldogs.

NCCU will finish the four-game road trek on Monday, Dec. 6 at The Citadel.