Amazing win for UNCA Bulldogs

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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This brief story delivers all the pertinent details. Wow:

ASHEVILLE, N.C.: K.J. Garland and Kenny George each scored 18 points Wednesday night as UNC Asheville won its 20th game of the season for the first time in more than 20 years, beating Coastal Carolina 78-72.

The Bulldogs won in spite of Coastal Carolina’s Jack Leasure, who tied a career-high with nine 3-pointers to become the Big South’s all-time leading 3-point shooter.

The senior had 27 points on 9-of-15 shooting from beyond the arc, finishing the night with 405 career 3-pointers. He is the eighth player in NCAA Division I history to surpass 400 career 3s.

Mario Sisinni added 14 for Coastal Carolina and was the only other player to score in double figures for the Chanticleers (13-13, 6-7 Big South).

After missing his first shot, the 7-foot-7 George made his last nine field goal attempts for UNC Asheville (20-8, 9-4). John Williams scored 12 and Bryan Smithson 11 for the Bulldogs, who shot 60 percent in the first half to take a 45-35 lead at halftime.

UNC Asheville last won at least 20 games in a season in 1985-86.