Winthrop secured a hard-fought 69-67 victory over UNC Asheville at Kimmel Arena, with Kody Clouet leading the charge with 21 points and 6 rebounds. The Eagles' win was a reflection of their resilience, as they withstood a strong performance from UNC Asheville's Kameron Taylor, who poured in 26 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Taylor's efforts were nearly enough to propel the Bulldogs to victory, but ultimately fell just short.
The first half saw Winthrop take control, racing out to a 33-25 lead at the break. The Eagles' balanced attack was on full display, with Clouet and Logan Duncomb combining for 23 points in the opening stanza. UNC Asheville, however, refused to back down, and Toyaz Solomon's 10 first-half points kept the Bulldogs within striking distance.
The second half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a decisive advantage. Justin Wright's 14 points, including several key buckets late, helped UNC Asheville stay close, but Winthrop's depth and rebounding prowess ultimately was the difference. Duncomb's 9 rebounds, including several crucial boards in the final minutes, allowed the Eagles to maintain possession and limit the Bulldogs' scoring opportunities.
As the final buzzer sounded, Winthrop had emerged with a 69-67 victory, their 15th win of the season. The Eagles' record now stands at 15-8, while UNC Asheville falls to 9-12. The loss was a Quad 3 defeat for the Bulldogs, which may impact their tournament chances down the line. For Winthrop, the win was also a Quad 3 victory, which will be a valuable addition to their resume as they pursue a postseason berth.
Kody Clouet's performance was a key factor in Winthrop's win, as he consistently found ways to score and create for his teammates. His 21 points were a team-high, and his 6 rebounds helped the Eagles control the glass. Clouet's efforts were complemented by those of Duncomb, who chipped in 17 points and 9 rebounds, and Josh Meo, who added 9 points off the bench.
In the end, Winthrop's victory was a reflection of their strength and depth, as they were able to overcome a strong performance from UNC Asheville's Kameron Taylor. The win will be an important one for the Eagles as they continue to build their tournament resume, and they want to carry this momentum forward into their upcoming games. With this result, Winthrop's tournament chances receive a boost, as they add a valuable Quad 3 win to their portfolio. Conversely, UNC Asheville's loss may hinder their postseason aspirations, making their remaining games all the more crucial.