Charleston Southern University’s women’s basketball team secured a 72-66 win over UNC Asheville on Wednesday night at Kimmel Arena. The victory marks the Buccaneers’ fifth win of the season and improves their conference record to 3-2.
Tyonna Bailey led Charleston Southern with her second consecutive double-double, recording 20 points and 10 rebounds. Caelan Ellis contributed a team-high 22 points, including a crucial three-pointer late in the fourth quarter that helped secure the outcome. Asha Sra added 15 points and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double herself.
This game marked the first time since 2014 that three CSU players each scored at least 15 points in a single contest. “Ellis (22 points), Bailey (20 points), and Sra (15 points) are the first CSU trio to combine for 15+ points each since 2014,” according to team statistics.
The match began evenly, with both teams scoring 15 in the opening quarter. Charleston Southern gained momentum in the second quarter by shooting 50 percent from the field and outscoring UNC Asheville by seven, leading to a halftime score of 37-30.
UNC Asheville narrowed the gap after halftime, winning the third quarter by one point but still trailing CSU by six heading into the final period. In the fourth quarter, Ellis made a key three-pointer with under a minute left to halt UNC Asheville’s comeback attempt. The Buccaneers converted free throws down the stretch to maintain their lead.
Other notable performances included Jamaria Freeman of UNC Asheville with 15 points and nine assists, Nia Green with 16 points and 14 rebounds, and Journee McDaniel adding 19 points for the Bulldogs.
Charleston Southern shot nearly 44 percent from the field and just under 35 percent from beyond the arc while converting nearly 78 percent of their free throws. They finished with more fast-break points than UNC Asheville (11-6) and committed fewer turnovers.
“Ellis’ late fourth-quarter three-pointer halted UNC Asheville’s final push and preserved the road victory,” stated team officials regarding what they considered a turning point in the game.
With this result, Charleston Southern has now won three straight games against UNC Asheville. The Buccaneers will continue Big South Conference play on Saturday, January 17 when they host Gardner-Webb at Buccaneer Fieldhouse.
For updates on Charleston Southern women’s basketball, fans can follow @CSUBucsWBB on X or Instagram or visit www.CSUSports.com.
