UNC Asheville Basketball’s Second-Half Struggles Lead to Narrow 75-73 Loss to Tennessee State

The UNC Asheville Bulldogs fell to the Tennessee State Tigers 75-73 on November 25, 2025. The game was held at Kimmel Arena in Asheville, North Carolina. A strong first half led by Kameron Taylor wasn’t enough. Second-half turnovers cost the Bulldogs the win.

This loss drops UNC Asheville’s overall record to 3-3. The Bulldogs had started the season a perfect 3-0 at home. For Tennessee State, the road victory marks a significant turnaround. They were previously 0-3 in away games this season.

Kameron Taylor’s 23-Point Effort Not Enough for Bulldogs

Guard Kameron Taylor led all UNC Asheville scorers with 23 points. He shot an efficient 8-13 from the field during the contest. Taylor also went 5-8 from the free-throw line, showing his aggression.

His performance kept the Bulldogs in the game until the final buzzer. Despite his efforts, the team’s collective mistakes proved too much to overcome. Game statistics provided by the Big South Conference show Taylor was a bright spot.

Toyaz Solomon provided crucial support with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Justin Wright added another 20 points off the bench for Asheville. This trio combined for 64 of the team’s total 73 points on the night.

Costly Turnovers Define Second-Half Collapse

UNC Asheville entered halftime with a confident 40-34 lead. Their offensive flow and shooting looked sharp in the first period. Everything changed after the teams returned from the locker room.

The Bulldogs committed 23 total turnovers in the game. Many of these costly errors occurred during critical second-half possessions. Tennessee State capitalized, scoring 19 points directly off those Asheville mistakes.

Asheville’s shooting also cooled significantly down the stretch. The team’s defensive intensity waned, allowing the Tigers to claw back. This pattern has concerned coaches in other close games this year.

Tennessee State Seals Road Victory with Clutch Plays

The Tigers were led by Aaron Nkrumah’s 18 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Dante Harris controlled the tempo, adding 17 points and 6 assists. His steady hand was vital during the team’s comeback effort.

Tennessee State shot just 44% from the field overall. They made up for it with defensive pressure and key rebounds. Their ability to execute in the final minutes decided the game.

This win improves Tennessee State’s record to 2-4. The victory provides a major confidence boost for the team’s young roster. Beating a strong home team like Asheville is a notable achievement.

The UNC Asheville basketball loss highlights ongoing consistency issues. The team must secure possessions better in clutch moments. This narrow defeat will test their resilience early in the season.

Thought you’d like to know

Who were the top performers for UNC Asheville?

Kameron Taylor led with 23 points. Toyaz Solomon added 21 points and 9 rebounds. Justin Wright scored 20 points off the bench.

What was the key stat that led to the loss?

UNC Asheville committed 23 turnovers. Tennessee State scored 19 points directly from those mistakes. Ball security was the deciding factor.

What was the halftime score?

UNC Asheville led 40-34 at halftime. They could not maintain that six-point advantage. The Tigers outscored them 41-33 in the second half.

What is UNC Asheville’s record now?

The team’s overall record fell to 3-3. They started the season 3-0 at home. This was their first home loss.

What’s next for the Bulldogs?

They will look to bounce back in their next Big South Conference game. Addressing turnovers will be the immediate focus. The schedule remains challenging.

How did Tennessee State improve their record?

The Tigers improved to 2-4 overall. This was their first road win after three losses. It marks a potential turning point.