BLUFFTON, SC – The UVA Wise women's basketball team improved to 2-0 on the season as they built up a double-digit lead and held off a determined comeback by USC Beaufort to claim the 78-72 win in the Regional Challenge Saturday evening.
Caroline Mullins continued her impressive start on the season as she had 38 points and 15 rebounds, both career highs.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result: UVA Wise 78, USC Beaufort 72
Records: UVA Wise (2-0); USC Beaufort (1-1)
Location: Bluffton, SC | The Cove
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The first quarter began with Mullins putting UVA Wise on the board with a layup in their opening possession.
Madison Looney contributed significantly by scoring two layups and assisting on another, helping the Cavs to a 6-1 lead early. Taniyah Bowman of the Sand Sharks briefly put her team ahead with a pair of free throws at 5:47, but Mullins responded with a layup and a pair of free throws, regaining a lead for the Highland Cavaliers that they would never relinquish. As the period closed, Mullins added another layup and free throws from
Mia Nienaber sealed a 20-14 advantage for UVA Wise.
- The Highland Cavaliers gained momentum early in the second period with
Grace Vyborny hitting a jumper at 9:40.
Alissa Cheek contributed with a three-pointer at 5:05, extending the lead for the Highland Cavaliers. Despite efforts from the Sand Sharks' Lydia Gattozzi, who scored a layup and free throw combination at 3:34, the Cavs ended the quarter leading 37-25.
- USC Beaufort capitalized on free throws and a three-pointer by Gattozzi to cut into the deficit, eventually chipping the lead down to one possession.
Madison Looney added six crucial points in the third for the Highland Cavaliers, including a layup at 2:42 to extend their advantage. The quarter concluded with Mullins making a free throw, ensuring a 50-47 lead for UVA Wise.
- In a tense fourth quarter, the Sand Sharks had several opportunities to tie or take the lead, but never were able to capitalize on them as the Cavs emerged victorious with a narrow 78-72 win. Looney opened the quarter with a layup assisted by Nienaber at 9:43, followed by a three-pointer from
Izzy Proffitt, extending the lead to 55-47. Despite USC Beaufort's efforts, including a fastbreak layup by Janiyah Heyward, the Cavs maintained control with effective free-throw shooting, particularly from
Caroline Mullins, who contributed key points down the stretch. A defensive rebound by Mullins at the buzzer secured the victory for the Highland Cavaliers, capping off the game.
GETTING WISE
- Mullins led all players with her career night as she had 38 points and 15 rebounds. She went 13-20 from the field and 12-15 from the charity stripe to help seal the win.
- Looney scored 12 points, while Nienaber chipped in 9 points and three assists while going a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line.
- Cheek added in eight points and two steals.
- The Cavaliers capitalized on their pressure forcing turnovers, which led to scoring 18 points off USC Beaufort's 11 turnovers.
- UVA Wise hit an impressive 50 percent (25-50) from the field, 42.9 percent from three point range, and 83.3 percent (25-30) from the free throw line.
- Three Sand Sharks had double-digit scoring, led by Lydia Gattozi's 21 points.
UP NEXT
The Cavs will travel to face King on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. in Bristol, Tennessee. They will then have their home opener next Saturday at 2 p.m. when they host former Mountain East rival Concord University.
