WISE – Saturday marked a third consecutive loss for UVA Wise (8-11, 4-7 SAC) as the Cavs fell 85-67 to Catawba (10-4, 7-3 SAC). 

The three-game losing streak is the largest of the season for UVA Wise and the first such time the Cavs have dropped that many games in a row.

UVA Wise was without its top three scorers in the game as sophomores Patrick Shelley and Zion Fruster were sidelined with injuries along with junior Zy'Ever Wingfield. In total, the Cavs entered Saturday missing 44.1 points per game. 

The lack of offense was noticeable in the opening minutes of the game. At the 15:21 mark, Catawba had already jumped out to a 18-5 lead over the Cavs. 

The Indians benefited from uncharacteristically good shooting from deep in the first half. Catawba entered the game averaging seven made three pointers per game. The Indians went 7-for-15 (46.7 percent) from beyond the arc in the first 20 minutes. 

Catawba led 48-33 at halftime behind it's lights-out three-point shooting and an 18-for-33 (54.5 percent) mark from the floor. 

The Indians held firm control of the game in the second half. 

The Cavs put forth a comeback effort that pulled them within 13 points of Catawba with 15:44 to go in the game thanks to a pair of three-pointers from freshman guard Carmelo Pacheco. 

However, a turnover and subsequent dunk from Catawba junior forward Peyton Gerald halted UVA Wise's momentum and the Indians never looked back. 

Catawba finished the game with four scorers in double figures but none finished with more than 12 points. Leading the way senior point guard Javeon Jones paced the Indians with 12 points while junior guard Dre Nelson had a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards.

Despite the Indians only having four reach double digits, 15 different players saw the floor and 12 of them scored in the game. 

For its next game, UVA Wise remains at home to take on Southwest Virginia rival Emory & Henry Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m.