Preview: Winthrop Eagles at UNC Asheville Bulldogs

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Interstat) — A surging Winthrop team visits a struggling UNC Asheville squad in a key Big South Conference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at Kimmel Arena.

The Eagles (12-8, 4-0 Big South) enter on a five-game winning streak, including a 92-75 league victory over High Point on Wednesday. The Bulldogs (8-11, 2-2), meanwhile, are looking to rebound from a narrow 71-70 road loss at Presbyterian that same night.

Winthrop’s recent success has been fueled by the dominant play of forward Logan Duncomb. Over his last seven games, Duncomb is averaging 19.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per contest. He scored 28 points in 30 minutes against High Point and had a 31-point, 13-rebound performance at Longwood on Dec. 31.

UNC Asheville will counter with guard Justin Wright, its leading scorer during conference play. Wright is averaging 18.8 points over his last six games, including a 26-point effort in the loss to Presbyterian. He also dished out six assists in a road win at Radford last Saturday.

The Eagles have found their rhythm in league play, winning their first four conference games by an average of 12.5 points. Their offense has been potent, scoring 81 points or more in three of those wins.

The Bulldogs have been inconsistent, alternating wins and losses over their last six games. Their defense, which allowed 71 points or fewer in their two Big South wins, will be tested by a high-scoring Winthrop attack.

Saturday’s contest is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams. They will meet again in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on Jan. 31.

For Winthrop, a victory would solidify its hold on first place in the conference standings. For UNC Asheville, a win at home is crucial to stay in the upper half of the league and build momentum.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon. Winthrop visits Radford next Wednesday, while UNC Asheville travels to South Carolina Upstate the same night.