UNC Asheville Cruises Past South Carolina Upstate 83-69

UNC Asheville put on a show at the G.B. Hodge Center, dominating South Carolina Upstate 83-69 in a non-conference matchup. The Bulldogs' high-powered offense was on full display, with Kameron Taylor leading the charge with 27 points. The win marked a strong performance for UNC Asheville, who outpaced the Spartans in both halves, taking a 36-30 lead into the break and never looking back.

Mason Bendinger did his best to keep the Spartans in the game, scoring 28 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Bulldogs. Justin Wright added 20 points and 6 assists for UNC Asheville, while Toyaz Solomon chipped in 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Spartans' Karmani Gregory contributed 16 points, but the team's offense struggled to keep pace with the Bulldogs' onslaught.

The game was a notable mismatch, with UNC Asheville's offense clicking on all cylinders. The Bulldogs shot efficiently and moved the ball well, creating scoring opportunities at will. South Carolina Upstate, on the other hand, struggled to find a rhythm, with Bendinger's scoring efforts often being the lone bright spot.

CHD Scout had predicted a close game, with South Carolina Upstate favored by 2.6 points. However, the actual outcome was far from it, with UNC Asheville winning by a convincing 14-point margin. The incorrect prediction highlighted the unpredictability of college basketball, where teams can rise to the occasion and exceed expectations.

The win has real consequences for UNC Asheville's resume, as it marked a Quadrant 4 victory. While not the most desirable type of win, it still counts as a positive result for the Bulldogs. For South Carolina Upstate, the loss was also a Quadrant 4 game, which won't help their tournament chances. The Spartans' record now stands at 9-12, while UNC Asheville improves to the same mark.

As the season progresses, UNC Asheville want to build on this performance and string together more wins. With their current net ranking of 241, they still have work to do to become a serious tournament contender. However, with players like Taylor, Wright, and Solomon leading the charge, the Bulldogs have the potential to make some noise in the coming weeks. For now, they can savor the taste of a convincing win on the road, and look to carry that momentum forward. The victory may not have been an upset, but it was a statement win for UNC Asheville, and one that will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they move forward.