GREENWOOD, SC -- UVA Wise grabbed the lead for good with six minutes left and pulled ahead via a 14-2 run to capture the 77-63 win over Lander Sunday afternoon in the Finis Horne Arena.

Three Highland Cavaliers scored in double figures, led by Kam Roberts with 19 points.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result: UVA Wise 77, Lander 63
Records: UVA Wise (10-3); Lander (8-3)
Location: Greenwood, SC | Finis Horne Arena

HOW IT HAPPENED
- The teams went at each other in the first half, which featured seven ties and six lead changes. Lander's Terry Leonard Jr. opened with a pair of 3-pointers, quickly countered by Kam Roberts' three-point shot for the Cavs. The Bearcats went ahead by five before a jumper by Patrick Shelley tied the game at 11-11. The lead then see-sawed back and forth over the rest of the half. Yoro Diallo contributed a fast-break layup and a free throw at the 5:20 mark to momentarily put the Cavs ahead. Calen Lightford's late three-pointer at 57 seconds gave UVA Wise a slight edge before Tommy Moore's free throws tied the score in the closing moments. The score was deadlocked 32-32 at the half.
- The second half featured a strong performance from the Highland Cavaliers, as they shot over 50 percent from the field, 44 percent from three-point range, and 75 percent from the free throw line. Roberts initiated the scoring with a layup at 19:34, assisted by Cy Hardy, then quickly added another layup with a free throw to extend the lead. Evan Ramsey contributed significantly, scoring multiple baskets in the paint, including a jumper at 8:57 to maintain the advantage. Lander's Jacob Daniels kept the game close with consistent scoring, and the Bearcats tied the game at 57-57 with 6:29 remaining. A three-pointer by Max Lidman sparked a14-2 run by the Cavs to put the game out of reach, highlighted by a Roberts jumper with 5 seconds left, secured a 77-63 victory.

GETTING WISE
- Kam Roberts led all scorers with 19 points as he went 8-13 from the field. He also had four rebounds and four assists.
- Evan Ramsey scored 17 points and pulled down a game-high nine rebounds. He was 4-7 from the field, 1-1 from behind the arc, and 8-8 from the free throw line. He also had three blocks.
- Yoro Diallo scored 14 points and grabbed five rebounds.  He also had two steals and two assists.
- Cy Hardy had five assists and four steals.

UP NEXT
After a break for Christmas, the Cavs will return to action on Jan. 3 when they travel to Coker for a South Atlantic Conference meeting with the Cobras. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m.
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