NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (Interstat) — A surging Charleston Southern team will look to continue its winning ways when it hosts a struggling UNC Asheville squad to open Big South Conference play on Saturday at CSU Field House.

The Buccaneers (10-6) enter on a three-game winning streak, including an 89-79 road victory at Gardner-Webb on Wednesday. Guard A’lahn Sumler has been the catalyst, averaging 24.2 points over his last five games. He erupted for 29 points in the win over Gardner-Webb.

Conversely, the Bulldogs (6-9) have lost five of their last six, most recently an 87-69 home defeat to High Point on Wednesday. UNC Asheville has relied heavily on guard Kameron Taylor, who is averaging 17.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists over his last seven contests. He scored 21 points in the loss to High Point.

The matchup pits one of the conference’s top offenses against one of its most challenged. Charleston Southern averages 86.1 points per game and has scored 113 and 124 points in two of its last four home contests. UNC Asheville has been held under 70 points in four of its last six games and is coming off a season-low 47-point performance at UAB on Dec. 21.

Defense will be a key concern for the Bulldogs, who must find a way to slow Sumler and a Buccaneers attack that shoots 38% from 3-point range. Charleston Southern also boasts balance, with Brycen Blaine (15 points) and Jesse Hafemeister (10 points, 10 rebounds) contributing strongly in the recent win.

For UNC Asheville, generating offense beyond Taylor is critical. Justin Wright (18 points vs. High Point) and DJ Patrick have shown flashes, but consistent secondary scoring has been elusive during the team’s slide.

Saturday’s contest begins a crucial conference stretch for both teams. Charleston Southern aims to solidify its status as a Big South contender, while UNC Asheville seeks a reset to turn its season around.