UNC Asheville Bulldogs roll to conference win over Longwood

UNC Asheville beat Longwood 72–61 at Kimmel Arena as the Bulldogs controlled the game from start to finish, building a 15-point cushion in the second half and closing out a key conference victory for Buncombe County’s hometown team. The win showcased the roster depth and defensive rebounding that have become hallmarks of the program this season.

Bench scoring provided the single biggest lift. Kameron Taylor led the Bulldogs with 24 points off the bench, a rare high-output reserve performance that shifted momentum whenever Longwood threatened to rally. Backcourt starter DJ Patrick finished with 18 points and connected on six 3-pointers, stretching the defense and creating space inside. UNC Asheville shot 44.6 percent from the field overall, an efficient clip that paired with its defense to keep Longwood at bay.

The rebounding margin was decisive: the Bulldogs outrebounded Longwood 40–27, limiting second-chance points for the visitors and generating extra possessions for Asheville. Longwood managed only six made three-pointers, a sign that Asheville’s closeouts and rotation suppressed the Lancers’ perimeter game. Those two data points—40 rebounds and holding the opponent to six triples—explain much of the 11-point final margin.

For Buncombe County, home wins matter beyond the stat sheet. Kimmel Arena nights draw local fans into West Asheville and downtown, supporting restaurants and small businesses near the campus. A conference victory also helps ticket demand and season-ticket retention as the Bulldogs press toward the middle of league play. On the court, the combination of bench firepower and team rebounding gives coach and staff tangible areas to emphasize as the schedule tightens.

Longer term, performances like Taylor’s and Patrick’s can influence recruiting narratives and the team’s identity: dependable depth plus perimeter scoring. If Asheville sustains the current rebounding and defensive metrics, the Bulldogs increase their margin for error in close conference games and improve their chances of finishing higher in the standings.

Our two cents? Head to Kimmel on a home night if you want a competitive game and to support local businesses; bring a ticket early and enjoy the full game-night atmosphere because depth and rebounding—those steady Bulldogs traits—tend to make for predictable, fun evenings.