BLUEFIELD, W.Va. - - Freshman Mackenzie King made the first start of her collegiate career and did not disappoint as she tied her season-high with 21 points to lead a quartet of UVa-Wise players in double figures as the Cavaliers upended Bluefield State 87-51 at Ned Shott Gymnasium Wednesday.

UVa-Wise (5-5) got off to a blazing start behind King who poured in 16 first half points thanks to four made 3-pointers. Jamie Cluesman's team forced 21 first half turnovers and converted the extra possessions into 25 points on the offensive end to take a 47-26 lead to the locker room.

Things did not get any better for Bluefield State (5-7) in the second half as the Blues fell behind by as many as 36 points in the early moments of the fourth quarter.

The Cavaliers assisted on 28-of-36 made field goals in the triumph led by four each from Ashley Cullen and Hanna Oliver.

Bluefield State faced a disadvantage in the paint as the visitors outscored the hosts 48-28 on the interior. Junior Cynita Webb led the way inside by tallying 16 points on 8-of-13 shooting while sophomore Ada Stanley chipped in 10 by making five field goals on seven attempts.

The Blues were led by Jia Coppola who posted 12 points off the bench but the team's inability to hang on to the ball proved costly.

King added a season-high five steals as part of 19-steal effort for the Cavaliers that also saw Webb finish with three thefts.

Overall, UVa-Wise shot 56.3 percent from the field while making 11-of-25 shots from beyond the arc. In total, 11 Cavs entered the scoring column.

With the win UVa-Wise is one win shy of matching its win total from a year ago (6) before beginning play in the second semester.

Next up, UVa-Wise will entertain King University at the Prior Center on Dec. 29.