UNC Asheville, led by senior guard Bryan Smithson, one of its shortest players, topped Tusculum College 84-73 in men’s basketball on Nov. 27 at the Justice Center.

Ironically, the Bulldogs played without 7-7 Kenny George, the tallest men’s college basketball player in the United States, who sat out the game with a minor foot injury.

Smithson, who is listed as a 6-footer, scored a career-high 26 points, hitting 9-of-12 shots from the floor. He also knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers at the end of the first half. His last shot of the half was a buzzer-beater keyed by an acrobatic pass from K.J. Garland to put UNCA up 39-34.

Afterward, UNCA coach Eddie Biedenbach said his Bulldogs need to learn to play without George, who is relied on for his shot-blocking ability.

Smithson added five assists, four steals and three rebounds for UNCA.

Other Bulldogs scoring in double digits were Garland, 15 points; Vincent James, 13; and John Williams, 12. As a team, UNCA shot 56 percent.

However, Tusculum (1-4) proved pesky, as the Pioneers trailed by just five points with 3:27 left. But Smithson sank a pair of jumpers to ignite a 13-8 run to close the game and secure a victory for the Bulldogs.

UNCA’s 6-1 mark is its best start since the 1983-84 season.