EMORY, VA – UVA Wise and Emory & Henry traded blows for 38 minutes before the Highland Cavaliers used a key basket and free throws down the final two minutes to pull out the 73-69 South Atlantic Conference win Wednesday evening.
The win moves the Cavs to 18-7 overall and ties with last season for the most wins of the program's NCAA era. The last time UVA Wise had 18 or more wins in a season was Lee Clark's 2002-03 squad, who notched a 24-10 mark, won both the Appalachian Athletic Conference regular season and tournament crowns and earned a berth in the NAIA National Tournament. Insert obligatory Zack Moore reference here.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result – UVA Wise 73, Emory & Henry 69
Records -UVA Wise (18-7, 11-6 SAC); Emory & Henry (14-9, 9-8 SAC)
Location: Emory, VA | King Center
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The first half began with Emory & Henry's Korbin Dixon scoring a layup, UVA Wise responded with
Kam Roberts' jumper at 17:57 to tie the game at 2. The teams exchanged leads multiple times, with Emory & Henry's Melchior Hughes hitting a three-pointer at 14:34 to level the score again. The Cavs'
Evan Ramsey capitalized on Emory & Henry's turnovers, contributing significantly to Wise's 20 points in the paint.
Patrick Shelley closed the half strong with a three-pointer at the 5-second mark, giving the Highland Cavaliers a 37-31 advantage heading into the second half.
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Kolier Pruett led the Cavs with a strong performance in the second half, hitting a big three-pointer at the start of the half, followed by a layup to extend their lead early. Emory & Henry's Korbin Dixon responded with a three-pointer and added key free throws throughout the half, keeping the game competitive. The teams traded baskets and the Cavs held a narrow lead until the Wasps grabbed a one point lead with 3:13 remaining. In the final moments,
Cy Hardy secured the victory for UVA Wise by converting four consecutive free throws, ensuring their narrow 73-69 lead held until the buzzer.
GETTING WISE
- Abingdon native
Evan Ramsey returned to his home county and had 15 points and 11 rebounds. He also swatted six Wasp shots (and three Wasps, based on his foul total).
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Patrick Shelley scored 14 points and had six rebounds and three steals.
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Kam Roberts also scored 14 points and pulled down five rebounds, while
Cy Hardy added 12 points.
- The Cavs outrebounded E&H 37-33 and shot 48.2 percent from the field.
- The win by the Cavs was their eighth out of the last 11 meetings.
UP NEXT
The Cavs host Coker this Saturday, on The Quillen Court in the David J. Prior Convocation Center in a Valentine's Day tilt. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m.
