GLENVILLE, WV – The UVA Wise women's basketball team and Glenville State were evenly matched Saturday afternoon, with both shooting 50 percent from the field and both having 31 rebounds, but in the end the differential in three-pointers and free throws proved to be the difference in a 90-77 loss by the Highland Cavaliers.
It was the first meeting between the former Mountain East Conference rivals since the 2018-19 season.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result: Glenville State 90, UVA Wise 77
Records: UVA Wise (7-4); Glenville State (8-2)
Location: Glenville, WV | Waco Center
HOW IT HAPPENED
- UVA Wise took an early lead off a basket by
Caroline Mullins and held the lead for most of the quarter.
Madison Looney had a big quarter, scoring ten of her career-high 25 points in the stanza.
Caroline Mullins added to the visitors' advantage with four points and six rebounds in the quarter. Glenville State kept it close, but UVA Wise maintained their lead with a late three-pointer by
Kyndra West at 1:40, ending the quarter ahead 24-19.
- In a tightly contested second quarter, Glenville St. outscored the Cavs 23-12 to take a lead. Khalia Bryant set the tone early with a layup at 9:22, and despite some turnovers, the Pioneers maintained their momentum.
Alissa Cheek contributed with key scoring for UVA Wise, but GSU's defensive pressure, highlighted by five steals, kept them in control. Jayda Allie's layup with 38 seconds left extended the Pioneer lead, and a fast-break layup from Carine Pinkney at the five-second mark secured a 42-36 advantage going into halftime.
- The third quarter saw the Pioneers extend their lead significantly over the Highland Cavaliers, finishing the quarter with a 33-18 advantage. Nwando Okigbo contributed early with a tip-in at 9:31, pushing Glenville State ahead.
Mia Nienaber responded for UVA Wise with a three-pointer at 9:13, but Glenville State maintained its momentum with fast-break points and strong play inside the paint. Mullins was a key performer for the Cavaliers with seven points in the quarter, including a fast-break layup at 7:57. However, Glenville State's offense proved more effective, with Ashlyn Riley and Bryant contributing critical points. The quarter closed with Glenville State holding a commanding lead.
- Looney scored early in the fourth quarter with a jumper assisted by West, setting the tone for a strong offensive period for the Cavs. Despite Glenville State's initial 19-point lead, UVA Wise outscored Glenville State 23-15 in the fourth, fueled by Looney's consistent scoring, including a layup and free throw at 4:20, narrowing the gap to 81-67. Glenville State maintained control, however, with key plays pushing their lead to 17 points.
Taylor Hawley closed the game with a tip-in and a free throw at 15 seconds left, but the Pioneers secured a 90-77 victory.
GETTING WISE
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Madison Looney led all scorers with a career-high 25 points off of 12-18 shooting. She also had four rebounds, two assists. and a block.
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Caroline Mullins scored eighteen points and pulled down a game-high nine rebounds. She also had four assists and drew nine fouls.
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Jalie Ruehling had a game-high seven assists and five steals.
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Alissa Cheek scored eleven points and had four assists.
UP NEXT
The Cavs will take a break for Christmas before hitting the road to face nationally ranked and South Atlantic Conference-leading Coker on Jan. 3. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.
