UNC Asheville basketball falls to Tennessee State in nail-biter, Taylor’s 23 points not enough to secure home victory

UNC Asheville basketball falls in a heartbreaking close one to the Tennessee State Tigers with a final score of 75-73 on November 25, 2025. Despite leading at halftime with a 40-34 advantage, the Bulldogs couldn’t maintain their momentum down the stretch. Kameron Taylor delivered a strong performance to lead the Asheville attack but it wasn’t enough to secure the victory.

Kameron Taylor’s Strong Effort Falls Short

Kameron Taylor put on an impressive display, scoring a team-high 23 points while shooting 8-13 from the field. The UNC Asheville guard connected on tough shots throughout the game. His contributions on both ends of the court couldn’t overcome the late-game struggles by the Bulldogs.

Taylor also made 5 of 8 free throws down the stretch, showing composure at the charity stripe. Despite the individual brilliance, Tennessee State executed a solid fourth-quarter defensive plan. The loss drops UNC Asheville to 3-3 overall after starting 3-0 at home.

Bulldogs’ Second-Half Collapse Proves Costly

UNC Asheville controlled the first half, leading 40-34 at the break. The second half told a different story as the Bulldogs managed just 33 points in the final frame. Tennessee State outscored Asheville by 7 points in the second half, erasing the early deficit.

The Tigers defense tightened considerably after intermission. UNC Asheville shot just 58% overall but turned the ball over 23 times, indicating sloppy play. Tennessee State took advantage of these opportunities to pull off the upset on the road.

Solomon and Wright Contribute Supporting Efforts

Toyaz Solomon added 21 points on an efficient 8-11 shooting and grabbed 9 rebounds for UNC Asheville. Justin Wright chipped in 20 points off the bench. The trio accounted for 64 of the Bulldogs’ 73 points, showing the offensive firepower that typically carries this team.

Despite the offensive output, the home team’s inability to maintain first-half execution proved fatal. UNC Asheville shot well from distance at 56% from 3-point range but paid the price in turnovers. Tennessee State limited three-point attempts in the second half, forcing Asheville into tougher inside looks.

Tennessee State Claims Road Victory Behind Nkrumah and Harris

Aaron Nkrumah led the Tigers with 18 points while adding 6 rebounds. Dante Harris controlled the game with 6 assists and 17 points for Tennessee State, which improved to 2-4 overall. The Tigers were 0-3 in road games entering this contest.

Travis Harper II contributed 12 points for the Tigers. While Tennessee State shot just 44% from the field, they made crucial plays down the stretch. The victory represents an important road win for the struggling Tigers program.

What’s Next for These Conference Rivals?

UNC Asheville returns home hoping to bounce back in their next Big South Conference matchup. The Bulldogs must address turnover issues and second-half execution if they hope to climb back into contention. Coach Mike Morrell‘s squad showed they can compete with solid defensive intensity at times.

Tennessee State has momentum heading forward and will look to build on this road victory. The Tigers travel next and face another challenging schedule ahead in conference play. This close contest showed both teams can execute under pressure in tight situations.

Michael Brown

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