ELON, NC – Andre Smith pumped in 20 points as Big South Conference leader UNC Asheville outslugged Elon 72-58 Monday night in front of 1,420 fans at Alumni Gym. Those 1,420 fans represent a modern age record since the arena's renovation in 1993.

Smith also dished out four assists as the Bulldogs (12-12, 9-2 Big South) won for the 10th time in 12 games, dealing the Phoenix (11-14, 6-6) its third setback in a row and spoiling its first-ever regionally-televised home contest.

UNC Asheville stretched an early 9-8 edge into a commanding 30-16 advantage with 5:11 left in the first half via a 21-8 surge. Elon outbattled the Bulldogs 13-8 during the rest of the period – capped by a buzzer-beating dunk by Gary Marsh off an ally-oop pass from Ross Sims -- to cut the deficit to a 38-29 count at halftime.

The Bulldogs stampeded out of the locker room for a 17-13 spurt to increase their advantage to 55-42 with 7:00 remaining. Back-to-back lay-ups by Brendon Rowell and David Hall completed a 14-7 run to bring the Phoenix within 62-56 at the 3:18 mark, but Elon could move no closer as UNC Asheville converted 10 of its 12 charity shots down the stretch.

The Bulldogs received 15 points from Alex Kragel and a game-high eight rebounds from Billy Allen. The Phoenix was paced by Sims (13 points), Rowell (seven rebounds, six assists) and Chris Adams (seven rebounds).

For the contest, UNC Asheville edged Elon in field goal percentage (42.9-35.6), free throw percentage (78.3-76.5), rebounding (40-37), turnovers (14-17) and steals (6-5). The Phoenix nipped the Bulldogs in assists (13-9) and blocked shots (4-2).

Both teams return to action Saturday afternoon, as Elon travels to Radford for a 4 p.m. contest and UNC Asheville hosts Coastal Carolina at 4:30 p.m.

--ELON--

Game Box Score

Big South Conference Standings