CARROLLTON, Ga.- The University of West Georgia men's basketball team (0-3, 0-0 UAC) battled until the final seconds of Wednesday night's home opener, but a late comeback effort fell just short as UNC Asheville (2-2, 0-0 Big South) escaped the Coliseum with a 73-70 victory.
Both teams came out firing offensively, shooting over 50 percent from the field in the opening minutes. Juaquin Dixon got the scoring started for UWG with an electrifying and-one layup for his first points inside the Coliseum. Kenneth Chime followed by crashing the offensive glass for a putback layup, helping the Wolves enter the first media timeout tied at 7-7.
West Georgia caught fire coming out of the timeout, scoring 11 points in a three-minute stretch, highlighted by two transition dunks that energized the home crowd and propelled the Wolves to an 18-12 advantage at the next media break.
The Bulldogs responded with a 12-1 run, fueled by two three-pointers and a contested step-back mid-range jumper from Ja'Corey Lipkins. UNC Asheville found its rhythm from beyond the arc, connecting on three of its next five attempts to take a 24-19 lead.
Chas Lewless provided an offensive spark for the Wolves, knocking down a three pointer and two mid-range jumpers to give him seven points and help UWG trim the deficit to 29-25.
Despite the early offensive success, West Georgia entered halftime trailing 37-32. Foul trouble played a significant role throughout the opening 20 minutes, with both teams entering the bonus. The Wolves attempted 12 free throws, while UNC Asheville made 15 trips to the charity stripe.
Lipkins led the Bulldogs offensively in the first half, scoring 11 points while shooting 50 percent from both the field and beyond the arc. For West Georgia, the offensive production was spread throughout the lineup, with eight different Wolves finding the scoring column.
Coming out of the break, West Georgia continued to battle, establishing a strong presence on the offensive glass. The Wolves collected 14 offensive rebounds in the second half, creating additional scoring opportunities and keeping themselves within striking distance. David Simon helped lead the effort, recording four offensive rebounds to go along with eight points, a steal, and two blocks.
Dixon provided another offensive spark for UWG, scoring on consecutive possessions in transition. However, UNC Asheville's Khayri Dunn answered with consecutive three pointers to halt the Wolves' momentum.
Micah Smith continued his strong offensive performance, finishing a contested fastbreak layup for his 12th point of the night to cut the Bulldogs' advantage to 56-52 heading into the next media timeout.
Both teams continued to trade baskets coming out of the break, with Lipkins connecting on a deep three-pointer for UNC Asheville. Lou Hutchinson immediately responded for the Wolves, knocking down a three-pointer while drawing a foul and converting the free throw for a four-point play, marking his first points of the evening.
Connor Dubsky helped keep the momentum in favor of the Bulldogs, connecting on two three pointers as UNC Asheville looked to create separation heading into the final minutes.
Chime continued to make his presence felt in the paint, securing an offensive rebound off a missed layup before fighting through contact for another second chance basket. His effort helped West Georgia cut the deficit to 69-65 with less than four minutes remaining.
The Wolves refused to go away, continuing to battle on both ends of the floor as the game entered its final possessions.
With 23 seconds remaining, UNC Asheville held a 71-67 advantage and sent Daniel Thomas to the free throw line for a one-and-one opportunity. Thomas missed the front end, allowing Lewless to attack the basket on the other end and convert a tough and one layup with 13 seconds remaining, bringing UWG within one point.
West Georgia immediately fouled Lipkins, who missed another front end of a one-and-one opportunity, giving the Wolves a chance to take the lead. Smith pushed the ball down the floor and attacked the rim, but his potential go ahead layup rolled off the iron.
With just 2.3 seconds remaining, Kelcy Phipps stepped to the free throw line and converted both attempts to seal the 73-70 victory for UNC Asheville.
Despite the loss, West Georgia dominated the offensive glass, collecting 23 offensive rebounds on the night. Chime led the charge with six offensive boards, finishing with a team high 13 points and 13 rebounds for a double double.
"He is a young, flourishing big man for us, and he is going to be huge for us throughout the course of the season," said head coach Dave Moore on Chime's performance. "We have to continue to find ways to get him the ball more frequently."
West Georgia will look to bounce back on Saturday, November 14, when the Wolves travel to face Charleston Southern. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
