ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) Jerry Echenique scored 22 points to help High Point hold off a rally by North Carolina-Asheville for a 98-93 overtime win Tuesday in the first round of the Big South Conference tournament.
Danny Gathings added 19 points and eight rebounds for High Point (13-17) and Mark Wilson chipped in 15 points and nine boards.
Steven Rush hit seven 3-pointers and scored 23 points for North Carolina-Asheville (11-17), while K.J. Garland added 22 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Bryan McCullough scored 20 while handing out seven assists and pulling down six rebounds.
North Carolina-Asheville trailed 50-36 at halftime, but turned to the 3-point shot to help tie the game at 88 at the end of regulation. After making 6-of-16 attempts in the second period, the Bulldogs lost their touch in overtime and connected on just 1-of-12 3-point tries.
Meanwhile, North Carolina-Asheville hit just 1-of-4 field goal attempts in the extra period, but built a lead by making 8-of-16 free-throw attempts.
High Point plays Thursday against Charleston Southern, a 66-60 winner Tuesday against Liberty.
