WISE -- UVA Wise led wire to wire as they used a balanced attack and tenacious defense to secure the 69-54 victory over Wingate Wednesday evening on the Quillen Court. The Highland Cavaliers capitalized on 23 Bulldogs' turnovers, converting them into 14 points, while also maintaining a 34-28 edge in rebounds.
It was the largest margin of victory by UVA Wise in the series, which dates back to 2020, and breaks an eight game winning streak by the Bulldogs.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result: UVA Wise 69, Wingate 54
Records: UVA Wise (4-2, 1-0 SAC); Wingate (4-2, 0-1 SAC)
Location: Wise, Virginia | The Quillen Court in the David J. Prior Convocation Center
HOW IT HAPPENED
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Madison Looney scored a layup to put the Highland Cavaliers ahead 2-0, followed a couple minutes later by
Mia Nienaber. Wingate then scored four quick points to tie the game. UVA Wise then capitalized on turnovers, with Nienaber contributing significantly by scoring seven points, including two 3-pointers, the first at 3:40 and another at 2:50 to go on a big 10-2 run. The quarter concluded with
Caroline Mullins securing an offensive rebound and completing a tip-in with two seconds remaining, solidifying a 14-6 lead for the hosts.
- The second quarter featured a strong start for the Cavs, as
Jalie Ruehling hit a 3-pointer with an assist from Mullins at 9:30 to spark another 10-2 run. Wingate responded with Laura Montiel scoring in the paint, but Mullins quickly added two free throws to maintain the advantage.
Kyndra West contributed with a jumper and a defensive rebound, while Ruehling connected on another 3-pointer assisted by Mullins, resulting in a timeout for Wingate at 6:26. Looney's fast-break layup at the 5:00 mark pushed UVA Wise's lead to fourteen. Despite Wingate's efforts, including a late 3-pointer from Bree Hughes, the Cavaliers maintained a 32-22 lead by the end of the quarter.
- Wingate mounted a strong offensive effort in the third quarter, closing in on UVA Wise with an 18-17 scoring advantage. Montiel initiated the scoring for Wingate with a layup at 9:38; while Maggie Shorma and Laney Beale contributed key baskets, with Beale scoring twice in the paint. For UVA Wise, Nienaber hit a 3-pointer at 7:12, while
Alissa Cheek added offensive firepower with two 3-pointers. Despite a fast-break layup by Mullins at 4:58, Wingate chipped away at the lead and cut the Highland Cavalier lead to 32-22 at the end of the quarter.
- The Cavs closed the door on any hopes of a Wingate win with a strong fourth quarter.
Emilea Preece and Cheek contributed significantly down the stretch, with Preece making a crucial 3-pointer at 6:46 and Cheek assisting on multiple plays. Mullins added to UVA Wise's advantage with a fast-break layup and successful free throws, helping to extend the lead. Despite Wingate's attempts to rally, including a 3-pointer by Alexandra Merceron at 4:14, the Cavaliers maintained control and finished the quarter strong, sealing the 69-54 win.
GETTING WISE
- Cheek led all players with 16 points, which tied her career high, and also had five assists and two steals.
- Mullins flirted with a triple-double as she chipped in 13 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. She also went 5-5 at the free throw line.
- Looney scored twelve points off of 6-10 shooting from the field and pulled down five rebounds.
- Nienaber had eleven points.
- Ruehling had six points, six assists, six rebounds, and two steals.
- The Cavs hit nine three pointers, and outrebounded the Bulldogs by a 34-28 margin.
- Laura Montiel led Wingate with 12 points.
UP NEXT
The Cavaliers will hit the road to face Newberry this Saturday, with tipoff set for 2 p.m. They will be back at home next Wednesday, when they host arch-rival Emory & Henry.
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