Smith hits 6 3-pointers, scores 20 points to lead UNC-Asheville to 66-53 victory over Winthrop

UNC-Asheville knocks off Winthrop 66-53

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Sean Smith scored 20 points to lead North Carolina-Asheville to a 66-53 victory over Winthrop on Thursday.

Smith went 6-for-9 from the 3-point line to help the Bulldogs (7-12, 4-4 Big South Conference) win their fourth consecutive game.

Smith hit four of his 3-pointers in the first 5 minutes of the second half to help UNC-Asheville open a 44-34 lead. Chris Stephenson hit a tip-in for a 46-34 advantage with 15:13 to play and the Bulldogs extended their lead to 50-34 with 10:02 remaining.

They also held Winthrop without a point for 7:02, a drought that ended on Gideon Gamble’s layup with 9:04 left.

Matt Dickey added 11 points for UNC-Asheville. J.P. Primm, who had reached double figures in eight consecutive games, was held to three points.

Mantoris Robinson scored 11 points and Matt Morgan added 10 for Winthrop (8-10, 4-4), which had won three straight games.