WISE – UVA Wise stormed out to a big lead over Anderson and held off a furious fourth-quarter rally as, like the Greeks of old, they held off the Trojans to capture the 69-66 South Atlantic Conference win over Anderson Saturday afternoon in the David J. Prior Convocation Center.
The win is the second for the Cavs in the last four games against the Trojans.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result: UVA Wise 69, Anderson 66
Records: UVA Wise (10-6, 7-3 SAC); Anderson (7-9, 3-7 SAC)
Location: Wise, VA | David J. Prior Convocation Center
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The game began with Anderson taking an early lead, as Ciara Harris drained a three-pointer just 6 seconds into the quarter. It would turn out to be the largest lead for AU in the game as UVA Wise responded. The teams traded baskets for the next four minutes until the Cavs used their strong inside presence to go on a 7-0 run, highlighted by
Madison Looney's multiple baskets.
Caroline Mullins aided the run with her defensive skills as she had two blocks during the stretch. Despite the Trojans' efforts, including Harris's successful jumper at 7:02, the Cavs closed the quarter leading 20-13, aided by
Kyndra West's jumper with 56 seconds remaining.
- In the second quarter, the Highland Cavaliers extended their lead with a strong performance, outscoring the Trojans 21-12.
Emilea Preece opened the quarter with a jumper at 9:44, and Looney contributed a layup shortly thereafter.
Jalie Ruehling added to the momentum with a three-pointer at 6:22, assisted by
Izzy Proffitt. Mullins was effective at the free-throw line, making two consecutive free throws at 5:09. Preece capped the quarter with a three-pointer at 0:37, assisted by Mullins, solidifying the Cavs' commanding 41-25 position at halftime.
- The Trojans narrowed the gap in the third quarter against the Cavs, outscoring the home team 14-10. Mullins opened the scoring with a jumper for UVA Wise, but Anderson responded with Kyla Cain's two free throws at 9:28. Ashley Hill added a jumper, and Ciara Harris contributed a layup at 7:16, cutting the deficit to 10 points. Despite a strong effort from the Trojans, including a three-pointer from Harris at 6:33, the Highland Cavaliers used key baskets from Mullins and Preece to maintain the lead, closing the quarter ahead 49-39. Preece contributed valuable points for the Cavs with a jumper at 4:59 and another at 2:33, with West assisting on the latter.
- In the fourth quarter, the Trojans mounted a furious comeback. Mullins opened the quarter with two successful free throws at 9:37, followed by another basket at 8:44 to extend the Highland Cavaliers' advantage to 55-39. The team then went scoreleas for several minutes before
Mia Nienaber's three-pointer at 6:38, assisted by Ruehling, helped keep the home team ahead. Anderson would chip away at the lead, aided by Cavalier scoring droughts, before Jaida Brooks connected on a three-pointer with 9 seconds left, narrowing the gap to 67-66. AU then fouled former Trojan
Izzy Proffitt, who hit a free throw with 6 seconds, followed by another free throw from Ruehling after a Trojan turnover and foul, to seal the 69-66 victory.
GETTING WISE
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Caroline Mullins led all scorers with 19 points and chipped in seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks.
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Madison Looney had 15 points and led all players with a career-high 14 rebounds.
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Jalie Ruehling had nine points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
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Emilea Preece scored ten points and had six rebounds.
- UVA Wise out-shot the Trojans for the game by a 45.6% - 31.0% margin and out-rebounded AU 47-39.
UP NEXT
UVA Wise will hit the road for a couple of SAC games, beginning with a trip down US 58 to Lincoln Memorial Wednesday evening. Tip-off is set to for 5:30 p.m. in Harrogate, Tennessee.
