Williams scores 25, Primm 23 as UNC Asheville withstands Presbyterian 3-point barrage 99-89

UNC Asheville turns back Presbyterian rally 99-89

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — John Williams scored 25 points and J.P. Primm a career-high 23 to lead North Carolina-Asheville to its fifth straight win, 99-89 over Presbyterian on Saturday.

Williams was 11-for-15 from the field, grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked four shots for the Bulldogs (8-12, 5-4 Big South Conference), whose 41-27 rebounding advantage helped overcome 13-for-21 shooting (61.9 percent) from 3-point range by the Blue Hose (3-18, 1-8).

UNC Asheville led 52-38 at halftime after shooting 63.3 percent (19-for-30) and increased the lead to 71-55.

Presbyterian pulled within 76-73 with 6:23 left after a tap-in by Walt Allen, who scored nine points during the 18-5 run.

UNC Asheville responded by pounding the ball inside. Primm and Matt Dickey, who scored 19 points, were 12-for-14 on free throws in the final 6 minutes and Williams had three dunks.

Allen led Presbyterian with 17 points.