UNC Asheville defeats KY Christian 83-73
UNC Asheville Edges KY Christian in Thrilling Home Victory
In a closely contested non-conference matchup, UNC Asheville (HOME) outlasted visiting KY Christian (AWAY), 83-73, at Kimmel Arena on Tuesday evening.
The Bulldogs' home court advantage proved to be the difference-maker in the first half, as they held a slim 46-35 lead at intermission. However, it was clear that both teams were playing for more than just a single win – this one mattered in the win column.
In the second half, KY Christian's Jayden Loydd led the charge, scoring 10 points to cut the deficit to 7 with 5:30 remaining. But the Bulldogs' Toyaz Solomon, who had already amassed 19 points and 10 rebounds at halftime, continued to dominate down the stretch. The sophomore sensation added 3 points and 2 assists in the final minutes, securing a 22-point lead for UNC Asheville.
Solomon's all-around performance was a testament to his team's depth and versatility. Kameron Taylor chipped in with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Toyaz Solomon closed out the game with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Despite trailing by as many as 22 points early in the second half, KY Christian's Jayden Loydd (16 points) and Parker Watts (11 points) led a spirited comeback effort. The Wildcats' bench also contributed significantly, outscoring UNC Asheville's reserves 24-14 on the evening.
The advanced statistics paint an even more compelling picture of the Bulldogs' dominance.UNC Asheville's true shooting percentage was an impressive 62.7%, while their eFG% stood at 61.4%. Meanwhile, KY Christian struggled with efficiency, shooting just 42.3% from the field and 33.8% from the free throw line.
This non-conference victory is significant for UNC Asheville, who will look to build momentum heading into conference play. For KY Christian, a tough road loss serves as a wake-up call before they return home to face another strong opponent next week.
Game Stats:
UNC Asheville (HOME):
* Field Goals: 32/57 (56.0%)
* 2-Point FG: 26/36 (72.2%)
* 3-Point FG: 6/21 (29.0%)
* Free Throws: 13/21 (62.0%)
KY Christian (AWAY):
* Field Goals: 24/65 (37.0%)
* 2-Point FG: 17/42 (40.5%)
* 3-Point FG: 7/23 (30.0%)
* Free Throws: 18/22 (82.0%)