Men’s Basketball concludes nonconference play at UNC Asheville

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (December 21, 2021) – The Milligan University men's basketball team concluded its nonconference schedule with an exhibition matchup at UNC Asheville on Tuesday evening. The Buffs fell to the Bulldogs 114-54.

Milligan's first three field goals on the evening were threes as Josh Thomas knocked down two and Jackson Gabriel connected on a triple of his own as UNC Asheville led 22-9 through the game's first eight minutes. Gabriel's second three of the half made it 27-14 Bulldogs with 11:48 to go in the first half.

Alex Chambers made a three-pointer, making at least one triple in four-of-six appearances for the Buffs to begin the season. Levontae Knox and Flynn Carlson made two layups apiece over the final 10 minutes of the first half. Asheville closed the first half on a 16-4 run and led 61-30 at the half.

The Buffs hung with the Bulldogs to open the second half and were edged 8-7 over the first three minutes of the second half, thanks to baskets from Knox, Sami Sanad and a three from Thomas.

Asheville's defense kept Milligan from converting a field goal for nearly eight minutes as the Bulldogs scored 25 of the next 27 points before Carlson's layup ended the Milligan drought.

Late in the second half, the Buffs strung together a 10-3 run with four points from Adam Graham, four from Graham and a basket by Julian Wilson. Chase Love made a three in the final minute of regulation.

All 12 players that appeared in the game for Milligan appeared on the stat sheet.

Carlson led Milligan with 10 points and Thomas chipped in with nine points and four rebounds. Gabriel, Knox and Graham each chipped in with six points.

Six players scored in double figures for UNC Asheville. The Bulldogs shot 16-of-34 (47.1 percent) from three.

Milligan men's basketball returns to Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play on Jan. 4 when the Buffs welcome Reinhardt to the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse at 7:30 p.m.