HICKORY, N.C. - - Sophomore Nia Vanzant put together one of the finest games of her collegiate career Wednesday as UVA Wise completed a season-series sweep of Lenoir-Rhyne with a 68-45 win at Shuford Memorial Gymnasium. The guard made 10-of-13 field goals en route to 24 points while adding seven rebounds and she did it all in just three quarters.

UVA Wise (12-3, 11-3 SAC) led wire-to-wire in the win and it was evident early it was going to be a big night for the guard from Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Lenoir-Rhyne (4-12, 4-11 SAC) had cut the deficit to three at 10-7 with 4:52 to play in the opening quarter; it was as close the Bears would get for the remainder of the night.

From there, Vanzant took over. Caitlyn Ross swiped the ball and hit Vanzant for a fast break layup, a possession later Hanna Oliver found Vanzant for a bucket inside and the lead was 14-7.

After a bucket by Lenoir-Rhyne, Vanzant drilled a 3-pointer as she finished with seven first quarter points.

The scoring onslaught for Vanzant continued over the next two quarters of play. She finished the first half with 15 points before spearheading a 6-0 scoring spurt to start the second half. Vanzant finished the quarter a perfect 3-for-3 from the field which included a made 3-pointer and a perfect 2-for-2 showing at the charity stripe.

The Cavaliers outscored the Bears 24-to-9 in the third quarter to take a 59-33 lead with 10 minutes to play, Vanzant's work was complete as she rested for the entirety of the fourth quarter.

While Vanzant was pouring in the points, several other UVA Wise players had solid performances. Kalee Johnson sank 6-of-7 field goal attempts in her return to the floor as she netted 13 points while Ada Stanley chipped in 12 points, grabbed five boards, dished out four assists and tallied three steals in just 22 minutes of play.

Meg Crawford came off the bench and posted nine points and six rebounds while Caitlyn Ross and Peyton Sams had five assists each for coach Jamie Cluesman.

Cluesman's crew scorched the nets by shooting 53.8 percent from the floor. UVA Wise also won the rebounding battle 38-to-29 while picking up 13 steals off of 16 Lenoir-Rhyne turnovers.

Not one Bear reached double figure scoring. Emily Harman led the way with nine points, but was limited to 2-of-10 shooting from the field.

Next up, Wingate visits the Prior Center Saturday for Senior Day 2021. UVA Wise will honor a pair of four-year letter winners that day, Hanna Oliver and Stanley. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.