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Two high-powered offenses duked it out at Kimmel Arena on Saturday afternoon, and ultimately UNC Asheville edged the Longwood Lancers 87-82.

Both sides traded blows throughout the contest, with each team shooting better than 50 percent from the floor, but Asheville (20-8, 11-3 Big South) stayed unbeaten on its home court.

Team basketball remained the theme for the Lancer (17-12, 6-8 Big South) with 24 assists on 31 made shots. All eight players that played had at least four points for Longwood, and bruising forward Johan Nziemi scored 19 points in his return from injury for the Lancers (17-12, 6-8 Big South) to lead three players in double figures in scoring.

“I’m proud of our group tonight,” said Longwood Head Coach Griff Aldrich. “We continue to take steps to play more and more like a team and, as a result, are playing better basketball. Unfortunately, too many miscues on both ends of the floor really hurt us tonight, whereas Asheville made some tough plays and big shots down the stretch.”

Colby Garland added 17 points and 11 assists, his second double-double of the season, and Michael Christmas chipped in 13. Longwood shot 50 percent from the floor and posted 24 assists on 31 made shots, the second straight game the team garnered at least 20 assists.

However, Josh Banks poured in 30 points, and Jordan Marsh powered home 29 points. Asheville shot 54 percent from the floor and, crucially, went 14-28 from three.

‘More of a team’

“This group has faced a lot of adversity with health issues throughout the conference season, including missing Ky[rell Luc] for most of today’s game,” Aldrich added. “However, they are becoming more of a team, and that is critical as teams either come together or fall apart at this time of year. I’m excited for this final stretch as I believe this group is really close.”

The game was tight throughout the contest, with neither side leading by more than seven points as the offenses hummed along efficiently.

The Lancers garnered a lead with a short spurt behind Elijah Tucker and Nziemi inside and a Christmas triple outside. However, Marsh always answered. The lefty hit a pair of late triples to keep the game within one possession before putting down the go-ahead jumper that gave Asheville the lead for good with 42 seconds to play.

Up next for Longwood Lancers

The Longwood Lancers return to action on Thursday, Feb. 27 against Winthrop in the final home game of the season for the Lancers. Tip is set for 7 p.m., and the game will be aired on ESPNU as the final Big South Wildcard of the season.