Women's Basketball Tops South Carolina State, 67-60

UNC Asheville stormed back from an early 8-2 deficit to capture its first win of the season, defeating South Carolina State 67-60. The Bulldogs (1-1) bounced back from a season-opening upset at the hands of Newberry, thanks to an inspired effort on defense and double-doubles from two Asheville players.

In her first start of the season, sophomore Linda Aughburns led the Bulldogs with 14 points and pulled down 10 boards. Chioma Okoli posted 13 points for the second straight outing, to go with a career-high 11 rebounds. Also in double figures for UNC Asheville were Lindsey Thompson with 12 points and Kendall Shepard with 11.

The Bulldogs faced a South Carolina State squad that returns three starters from the unit that defeated UNC Asheville 67-64 last season at the Justice Center. Once again, Sophilia Hipps had a big night for SCSU. The senior tallied 14 points, while posting game-highs in rebounds (12), assists (4), and steals (4). SCSU Freshman Lauren Johnson led all scorers with 16 points in the game.

The Bulldogs were a significantly improved team on defense Tuesday night. After allowing Newberry to shoot 46.4% in the opener, Asheville limited South Carolina State to 28.6% shooting. Asheville’s shooters also found their touch, shooting 40% from the field (compared with 31% against Newberry) and 40% from behind the arc (the Bulldogs were a woeful 1-of-20 in the season-opener). Free throw shooting was still a concern, as the Bulldogs managed only 55.3% from the charity stripe.

UNC Asheville also had some success in protecting the basketball. The Bulldogs turned the ball over 15 times in the contest – equal to their total in the loss to Newberry, but well down from 28 in last week’s exhibition match against Mars Hill. Despite the efforts of Aughburns and Okoli on the glass, the Bulldogs were again out-rebounded by their opponent. It was also the second straight contest in which Asheville dished out fewer assists (Asheville had 8 to SCSU’s 12) suggesting that the Bulldogs might live or die by the mid-to-long range jumper this season.

UNC Asheville is back in action this Sunday, hosting Lees-McRae at the Justice Center in the Bobcats’ first game of the season. The match tips off at 2:00, and will be followed at 4:30 by a men’s basketball contest against Campbell.