EMORY, VA – The Wasps used a late surge with less than four minutes remaining to eke out the 71-64 South Atlantic Conference win over UVA Wise Wednesday evening.
With other games playing out tonight, the Cavs' standing in the SAC remains unchanged as they are tied for fifth place. Emory & Henry remains in tenth place and out of the running for the SAC Tournament.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result – UVA Wise 64, Emory & Henry 71
Records -UVA Wise (13-10, 10-7 SAC); Emory & Henry (6-17, 4-13)
Location: Emory, VA | King Center
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The first quarter began with Dot Mills of Emory & Henry scoring a jumper, followed by a three-pointer from Tori West.
Caroline Mullins of UVA Wise responded with a layup and was fouled, completing a three-point play to narrow the early gap. West extended the Wasps' lead with a three-pointer at 5:21, assisted by Mills, contributing to a 13-5 advantage.
Alissa Cheek and Mullins kept the Cavs close with consistent scoring, including a jumper by Mullins with 7 seconds remaining, bringing the score to 17-16 in favor of Emory & Henry at the end of the quarter.
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Emilea Preece led the Highland Cavaliers with a strong performance in the second quarter, scoring a layup and a three-pointer early on to push her team ahead. West responded for the Wasps with a layup and a three-pointer, keeping the game tight. The Cavs capitalized on their opportunities from the free-throw line, with
Jalie Ruehling and
Izzy Proffitt each converting a pair of free throws.
Caroline Mullins also contributed with crucial defensive rebounds and successful free throws, helping the Highland Cavaliers to a 19-13 advantage in the quarter and a five point lead at the half.
- In the third quarter, the Wasps narrowed the gap with a 20-18 scoring edge over the Cavs. Hali Harris sparked the home team's effort early, sinking back-to-back free throws and adding a layup to tie the game at 35 with 8:35 remaining. Mullins led the charge for the Highland Cavaliers, contributing with a layup at 8:05 and later hitting two crucial free throws to keep the game close. With 51 seconds left, Ruehling's three-pointer gave UVA Wise a slim lead at 51-49. A defensive effort, including a key rebound by
Madison Looney on the final play, secured the period's end for the visitors, with the score at 53-50.
- Emory & Henry would go on a late surge to outscore the Highland Cavaliers 21-11 in the final stanza, securing a 71-64 victory. Rhyan Harris hit a three-pointer at 6:27 to give the Wasps a 57-56 lead. Mullins briefly regained the lead for the Cavs with a jumper at 6:12, making it 58-57. However, Emory & Henry responded with a series of free throws, including two from Harris at the 0:28 mark, solidifying its lead. Mills had an assist and free throws in the final moments, ensuring the Wasp's win.
GETTING WISE
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Caroline Mullins had her seventh double-double of the season, scoring 21 points and pulling down 12 rebounds.
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Jalie Ruehling had her first double-double of the season and the third of her career with her ten points and 17 rebounds. She also had five assists and two steals.
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Emilea Preece scored eleven points, including three three-pointers, and had three rebounds.
- The win by the Wasps evens up the all-time series at 19-19.
UP NEXT
UVA Wise host #14 Coker this Saturday, Feb. 14, at 2 p.m. It will be the annual Play4Kay game, which is designed to raise awareness of and donations for breast cancer research.
