UNC Ashevilleís John Williams blocked a potential game-winning shot with eight seconds left to enable the Bulldogs to edge Campbell University 79-76 in menís basketball last Thursday night at the Justice Center.

After Williams disrupted what appeared to be a clear shot for Reggie Bishop of the Fighting Camels, UNCAís Reid Augst snared the loose ball and immediately was fouled. Augst sank both free throws.

With one last chance, Campbell missed a contested 3-pointer, as the Bulldogs (7-2) celebrated their best start in 23 years.
In a key play earlier, Williams scored on an alley-oop with 3:27 left for his only score of the game, but his basket kept UNCA ahead 71-69.

In yet another display of his athleticism, Williams charged the basket and picked up a foul, sinking one of two free throws with the score tied at 76 and with 34 seconds remaining.

After the game, Bulldogs coach Eddie Biedenbach praised Williamsí performance, noting that he may have been the most athletic player on the floor for the game.

Meanwhile, UNCAís Bryan Smithson led the Bulldogs in scoring with 21 points, including five in the final two minutes. Also chipping in were K.J. Garland, with 15 points and eight assists; and Kenny George, 12 rebounds, eight points and five blocks in 17 minutes.

UNCA, which shot 50 percent against Campbell, has shot 50 percent or better in six of its nine games this season.