WISE – Newberry shot 42.4 percent from the floor and 53.8 percent from behind the arc and led 38-27 at the half against UVA Wise Friday evening, but a massive 39-12 second-half start for the Highland Cavaliers and a 52-23 second half doomed the Wolves' upset chances as UVA Wise went on to claim the 79-61 South Atlantic Conference win.
With the win, the Cavs not only sweep Newberry for the first time ever, but also now stand tied for second in the SAC standings heading into the final month of the season.
The seventeen wins thus far this season tie for the sixth most in school history with the 2009-10 squad. That team ended their season in the NAIA Tournament.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result: UVA Wise 79, Newberry 61
Records: UVA Wise (17-5, 10-4 SAC); Newberry (10-10, 6-8 SAC)
Location: Wise, VA | David J. Prior Convocation Center
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The first half saw Newberry establish an early lead with a 3-pointer from Malakhi Stremlow at the 18:46 mark, quickly followed by a Kayzzin McDowell three-pointer to set the score at 6-0. The Cavs responded with a 3-pointer from
Cy Hardy at 16:16, narrowing the deficit to 8-3. Despite efforts from UVA Wise, including a fast-break dunk by
Patrick Shelley at 8:08, the Wolves maintained the lead, going ahead by as much as 15 points. The half concluded with Newberry holding a 38-27 advantage, capped by a Shane Hawkins layup and a last-second dunk from
Caden Giles for the Cavs.
- The Cavaliers opened the second half with a 39-12 run over the first 14:44 of the half that turned a 38-27 deficit to a 66-50 lead. Shelley opened the scoring with a three-pointer at 19:10, setting the tone for the home team's dominant performance.
Yoro Diallo contributed significantly with a series of assists, including one leading to a fast-break layup at 17:24. Despite the Wolves' attempts to close the gap, including a late three-pointer by Desmond Ware at 1:09, the Highland Cavaliers were never seriously threatened after the run, outscoring the visitors 52-23 in the half.
GETTING WISE
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Evan Ramsey led the team with 16 points as he went 4-8 from the field and a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line. He also had five rebounds and two blocks.
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Yoro Diallo had his eighth double-double of the season with 14 points and 12 rebounds. He also had six assists.
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Kam Roberts scored 12 points and also had two assists and three rebounds.
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Patrick Shelley had ten points, two steals, and an assist.
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Cy Hardy scored nine points and pulled down nine rebounds.
- UVA Wise shot 65.6 percent from the field in the second half and ended up at 49.2 percent for the game.
UP NEXT
The Carson-Newman Eagles come to town Wednesday evening for a 7:30 p.m. SAC game on the Quillen Court. The Eagles held off Coker 80-74 earlier today in Jefferson City.
