The Basics
Score: Charleston Southern 72 – UNC Asheville 66
Record: CSU (5-13), (3-2) – UNCA (6-12), (1-4)
Location: Kimmel Arena
 
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The Charleston Southern women's basketball team delivered a complete road performance Wednesday night, defeating UNC Asheville 72-66 inside Kimmel Arena to earn its fifth win of the season.
 
Tyonna Bailey recorded her second-straight double-double, finishing with 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Buccaneers, while Caelan Ellis added a team-high 22 points, including a clutch three-pointer late in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory. Asha Sra narrowly missed a double-double of her own, contributing 15 points and nine rebounds as CSU improved to 3-2 in conference play. The Bucs had three players score 15 or more points in a single game for the first time since 2014 (Ellis - 22, Bailey - 20, Sra - 15).
 
The teams traded baskets early, with both sides scoring 15 points in the opening quarter. Charleston Southern shot 40 percent in the period and kept pace defensively as neither team was able to build separation. The Buccaneers gained momentum in the second quarter, shooting 50 percent from the field and knocking down 2-of-5 from three-point range to outscore UNC Asheville 22-15 and take a 37-30 lead into halftime.
 
UNC Asheville responded out of the break, using a strong third quarter to close the gap. The Bulldogs edged CSU 19-18 in the period as Charleston Southern briefly went cold from the perimeter. Despite the push, the Buccaneers maintained a narrow 55-49 advantage entering the final 10 minutes.
 
Charleston Southern remained composed in the fourth, matching UNC Asheville point-for-point in a 17-17 quarter. Ellis delivered a key three-pointer with 50 seconds remaining to halt the Bulldogs' momentum, while CSU converted at the free-throw line down the stretch to secure the 72-66 road win.
 
Box Score Highlights
Charleston Southern Individuals:

• Tyonna Bailey: 20 points, 10 rebounds
• Caelan Ellis: 22 points, four three-pointers
• Asha Sra: 15 points, 9 rebounds

UNC Asheville Individuals:

• Jamaria Freeman: 15 points, 9 assists
• Nia Green: 16 points, 14 rebounds
• Journee McDaniel: 19 points

Team Stats
Charleston Southern shot 28-for-64 (43.8%) from the field and 9-for-26 (34.6%) from three-point range, while converting 7-of-9 (77.8%) at the free-throw line. The Buccaneers finished with 16 assists and committed 12 turnovers. UNC Asheville shot 27-for-76 (35.5%) overall and went 3-for-19 (15.8%) from beyond the arc. CSU held advantages in fast-break points (11-6).

Turning Point
Ellis' late fourth-quarter three-pointer halted UNC Asheville's final push and preserved the road victory.
 
Key Stats & Notes

• Tyonna Bailey posted her second consecutive double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
• Asha Sra finished just one rebound shy of a double-double with 15 points and nine boards.
• Caelan Ellis notched recorded her 14^th game in double figures with a game-high 22 points.
• Ellis (22 points), Bailey (20 points), and Sra (15 points) are the first CSU trio to combine for 15+ points each since 2014.
• Ellis and Bailey are the first duo to score 20+ points in the same game since 2023.
• The Bucs have now won three-straight games against the Bulldogs.

Up Next
Charleston Southern continues Big South play on Saturday, January 17 as they host Gardner-Webb at 2:00 p.m. inside Buccaneer Fieldhouse.

For the latest information on CSU women's basketball, follow @CSUBucsWBB on X and Instagram or go to www.CSUSports.com.