UNC Asheville Women’s Basketball Falls to High Point in Big South Quarterfinals

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — UNC Asheville Women’s Basketball was eliminated from the Big South Conference Championship after losing to the top-seeded High Point Panthers, 85-57, on March 6, 2025.

High Point dominated early, establishing a 24-9 lead by the end of the first quarter. Despite this aggressive start, UNC Asheville fought back, winning the second quarter 21-15 and heading into halftime trailing by just nine points.

The Bulldogs made a strong push in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to as little as five points, but were ultimately hindered by offensive struggles as they managed only nine points in that period. High Point extended their lead during this time, and the Bulldogs were unable to recover, finishing the game with 18 points in the fourth quarter against High Point’s 20.

Asheville shot 34.0 percent from the field, including 28.6 percent from three-point range, and went 70.8 percent from the free-throw line, making 17 of 24 attempts. They performed well on the boards, out-rebounding High Point 33-32 and scoring 16 points on second-chance opportunities.

Sydney Burris led the Bulldogs with 11 points and 10 rebounds, marking her third double-double of the season. Other notable performers included Dakota McCaughan and Abigail Wilson, who also contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively. Trinity Barnes matched her career-high with eight points, while Alana Swift scored seven and Skylar Bailey added six.

Burris also had two assists and a team-high three steals, demonstrating her all-around impact in the game. The Bulldogs showed defensive intensity, forcing High Point into turnovers and capitalizing for 17 points off those errors.

As the tournament continues, the High Point Panthers clinch a place in the semifinals and aim for their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance at the Division I level. Despite falling short this season, UNC Asheville will regroup and look ahead to next year.