UNC Asheville sweeps past Winthrop 67-55

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) J.P. Primm scored 17 points and UNC Asheville defeated Winthrop 67-55 Saturday to tie a Big South Conference record with 16 wins in the regular-season finale for both teams.

The Bulldogs (21-9, 16-2), who have won eight of their last 10 games, swept the Eagles for the first time since the 2007-08 season. UNC Asheville had to rally to defeat Winthrop 73-68 in overtime on Dec. 31.

This time, the Bulldogs trailed by six early, then took control to lead 35-26 at halftime.

A Matt Dickey jumper pushed the advantage into double figures to open the second half, and UNC Asheville then maintained a cushion of at least eight points.

The Bulldogs came in having already wrapped up the conference regular-season crown.

Dickey and Jeremy Atkinson added 12 points apiece for UNC Asheville.

Reggie Middleton's 12 points led Winthrop (12-19, 8-10), which has lost five of its last six.

Updated February 25, 2012