WISE -- UVA Wise used key runs in each half to secure an 82-73 South Atlantic Conference victory over Wingate on the Quillen Court Wednesday evening. The Highland Cavaliers capitalized on turnovers to score 24 points, contributing to their win.

The win was the third in a row by the Cavs over Wingate.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result: UVA Wise 82, Wingate 73
Records: UVA Wise (7-1, 1-0 SAC); Wingate (4-2, 0-1 SAC)
Location: Wise, VA | The Quillen Court in the David J. Prior Convocation Center

HOW IT HAPPENED
- The game opened with Corbin Pack scoring a layup for the Bulldogs, followed by a fast-break three-pointer from Derek Bradley, giving the Bulldogs an early 5-0 lead. After Wingate extended the lead to 9-2, the Highland Cavaliers used baskets from Kam Roberts and Yoro Diallo to spark a 15-0 run. The Bulldogs bit back and tied the score twice before taking the 25-23 lead. At the 6:24 mark, Calen Lightford hit a three-pointer, aiding the Cavs to a 25-26 score. Hensley Ward's consecutive three-pointers late in the half enabled UVA Wise to establish a lead, which they built upon with a late run. Kolier Pruett's buzzer-beating three-pointer closed the first half, giving the Cavs a 43-38 advantage over the Bulldogs.
- The Cavaliers then extended their lead to double digits and weathered a pair of runs by WU before outscoring them 39-35 in the second half. The half featured a strong start from Roberts, who contributed a jumper and a steal leading to a layup, boosting the Cavaliers' momentum. Cy Hardy added a crucial three-pointer and a layup, pushing the lead to 50-43 at the 16:20 mark. Despite the Bulldogs' efforts to close the gap, including a three-pointer by Pack, the Cavs never let the Bulldogs get closer than seven points. Evan Ramsey's layup in the final seconds highlighted the home team's dominance, culminating in an 82-73 win.

GETTING WISE
- Roberts led all scorers with 20 points. He also had nine rebounds and three steals.
- Diallo added in 17 points, including going 3-5 from behind the three-point arc, and also had nine rebounds.
- Pruett scored seven points and pulled down four rebounds while also grabbing two steals.
- Patrick Shelley had a team-high two blocks to go along with three steals and three rebounds.
- Hensley Ward had nine points, while Cy Hardy and Caden Giles scored seven points apiece.
- The Cavs out-rebounded the Bulldogs 39-35 and had 40 points in the paint to 22 from Wingate.
- Wingate had four scorers in double figures, led by Alex Godley's 19 points.

UP NEXT
The Highland Cavaliers will travel to face Newberry in a SAC contest Saturday afternoon. The game is set for 4 p.m. in Newberry, South Carolina.              
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