Gardner-Webb comes back over UNC Asheville 67-65

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Donta Harper scored 16 points and Gardner-Webb erased a 19-point deficit to snap UNC Asheville’s seven-game winning streak 67-65 Wednesday night.

Jerome Hill converted a tip-in to put Gardner-Webb (15-11, 7-5 Big South Conference) ahead 65-63 with 22 seconds left, and the team held on.

Gardner-Webb fell into a 27-8 hole after UNC Asheville (15-11, 9-3) hit seven of its first eight shots. UNC Asheville didn’t relinquish the lead until Hill’s two free throws tied it 56-56 with 6:03 left.

UNC Asheville had its 12-game Big South home winning streak snapped. Keith Hornsby led the team with 22 points.

Gardner-Webb has won five of six and swept the season series with UNC Asheville for the first time since joining the Big South. The team held a 16-1 edge in second-chance points after halftime.

Gardner-Webb won despite getting just two points from Tashan Newsome, who had scored 20-plus in four straight.