ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Interstat) — UNC Asheville held off a late rally to defeat South Carolina Upstate 57-56 in a women’s basketball game Wednesday at Kimmel Arena.

The Bulldogs built a 34-20 halftime lead behind a 22-point second quarter. The Spartans chipped away, taking a brief lead in the fourth quarter, but UNC Asheville secured the win at the free-throw line. Jamaria Freeman’s two free throws with 8 seconds left provided the final margin.

Cassie Gallagher led all scorers with 20 points for South Carolina Upstate. Freeman paced UNC Asheville with 13 points and six assists.

Both teams struggled offensively, combining for 29 turnovers. UNC Asheville improved to 8-12, while South Carolina Upstate fell to 6-14.