NEWBERRY, SC -- UVA Wise moved to 2-0 in South Atlantic Conference play with a hard-fought 45-32 win over Newberry Saturday afternoon. The Cavaliers capitalized on turnovers, converting 23 points off the Wolves' 23 turnovers, and also on 13 second chance points.

It was the first win in Eleazer Arena for the Highland Cavaliers since the series first started in 2019.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result: UVA Wise 45, Newberry 32
Records: UVA Wise (5-2, 2-0 SAC); Newberry (6-2, 0-2 SAC)
Location: Newberry, South Carolina | Eleazer Arena

HOW IT HAPPENED
- Reghan Williams opened the game by scoring a layup for the Wolves, putting them on the board first. Alissa Cheek answered for the Highland Cavaliers with a three-pointer at 7:59 to put the Cavs ahead. Caroline Mullins then hit a jumper and a free throw, followed by Emilea Preece's layup at 1:18. Mullins then closed the quarter with a layup at the buzzer, securing a 10-5 lead for the Cavs after the first quarter.
- Newberry opened the second quarter with an 8-2 run, eventually tying the game at 13-13. The Cavaliers then capitalized on turnovers and free throws to take control with 10-2 a run of their own. Caroline Mullins was instrumental, scoring a layup at 5:26 and then converting a three-point play with 1:01 remaining. Jalie Ruehling contributed significantly from the line, scoring four consecutive free throws between 3:58 and 3:19 to widen the gap. The Wolves tried to keep pace, with Leigha Harris hitting a three-pointer at 7:32, but the Cavs' defensive rebounding and timely steals maintained their advantage, as they ended the half with a 30-20 lead.
- UVA Wise extended their lead in the third quarter, outscoring Newberry 12-5. Mia Nienaber contributed with a layup at 8:19, pushing the lead score to 32-20. Madison Looney added to the lead with a layup at 6:58, followed by two free throws in the final minute to bring the score to 40-25. Caroline Mullins capped the quarter with a jumper as time expired, setting the score at 42-25.
- Eleazer Arena always is a tough place to shoot, and the fourth quarter showed that as the teams combined for ten total points. Caroline Mullins hit a three-pointer at 5:35, assisted by Madison Looney, marking the Cavaliers' only field goal of the quarter. Jada Brown helped Newberry cut into the lead, converting a layup and adding a free throw. Hannah Nimmo scored a fast-break layup with 50 seconds remaining, but the Wolves could get no closer as the Cavs went on to claim the 45-32 win.

GETTING WISE
- Caroline Mullins led all players with 22 points,16 rebounds, four steals, and two blocks. It was her fourth double-double of the season.
- Jalie Ruehling had six points as she went a perfect 6-6 at the free throw line. She also pulled down nine rebounds.
- Madison Looney scored six points, had three rebounds and a steal. 
- UVA Wise out-rebounded Newberry 44-39.

UP NEXT
The Highland Cavaliers will return home to host arch-rival Emory & Henry in a SAC contest next Wednesday, Dec. 10. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
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