EMORY, Va. – The Emory & Henry University Women's Basketball Team (6-17, 4-13 SAC) picked up a big South Atlantic Conference home win over Southwest Virginia rival the University of Virginia's College at Wise (13-10, 10-7 SAC) inside the John Rutledge King Center Wednesday evening. The Wasps saw all five starters score in double digits on their way to the 71-64 victory.
The Basics
FINAL SCORE – Emory & Henry 71, UVA Wise 64
LOCATION – Emory, Virginia
VENUE – John Rutledge King Center
RECORDS – Emory & Henry (6-17, 4-13 SAC); UVA Wise (13-10, 10-7 SAC)
How It Happened
- The Wasps were hot to start the game and a three from sophomore guard Tori West (Richmond, Va.) gave them a 13-5 lead at the 5:21 mark. Wise would finish the frame on an 11-4 run to close the gap to just one point at 17-16 at the end of the first.
- Wise took their first lead of the contest at 21-19, but E&H responded with back-to-back buckets from junior forward Gracyn Hall (Randleman, N.C.) and West to jump back in front 24-21. The Cavaliers would go on a 14-3 run over the following five and a half minutes to create some separation at 35-27. Hall knocked down a jumper from distance before the half to cut the deficit to 35-30.
- The teams traded blows to begin the third quarter and Wise clung to a narrow 38-37 advantage with 5:30 left. Freshman forward Hali Harris (Richmond, Va.) came to life with three straight baskets to push the Wasps back ahead 43-38 at the 4:37 mark. E&H maintained its five-point lead at 49-44, but Wise came storming back with seven consecutive points of their own to retake the lead 51-49 with just 51 seconds remaining. The visitors would score once more before the end of the quarter to increase their lead to 53-50 through three periods.
- Wise knocked down a three to push their lead to six points, but E&H once again came back with nine of the next 11 points to nudge ahead at 59-58. Emory & Henry continued to push the tempo and saw the margin grow out to 66-61. The Wasps were nails at the free throw line down the stretch, converting five of their six attempts in the final minute to clinch the win by the 71-64 final score.
Emory & Henry Leaders
- Hall led the way with a double-double of 14 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and an assist. Hali Harris finished with 14 points, four boards, one assist and a steal.
- West collected 14 points, two rebounds, one assist and a steal while junior guard Rhyan Harris (Salem, Va.) went for 13 points, four rebounds, three helpers, one steal and a blocked shot. Redshirt freshman guard Dot Mills (Canton, N.C.) recorded a career-high 11 points, six rebounds, six assists and a steal in the win.
UVA Wise Individual Leaders
- Caroline Mullins had a double-double of 21 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and a pair of steals while Jalie Ruehling collected a double-double of her own with 10 points, 17 rebounds, five assists and a pair of steals.
- Emilea Preece registered 11 points, three rebounds and a block. Madison Looney finished with eight points, five boards and a trio of assists.
A Deeper Look
- Emory & Henry shot 34.8% (23-for-66) overall and 27.6% (8-for-29) from beyond the three-point arc. The Wasps were 17-for-22 (77.3%) at the free throw line.
- UVA Wise finished shooting 33.3% (20-for-60) from the floor and 30.4% (7-for-23) from three. The Cavaliers went 17-for-19 (89.5%) of their attempts at the charity stripe.
- Wise outrebounded the Wasps by a slight 45-42 margin, but the two teams were dead even with 14 second chance points each.
- The Emory & Henry defense was stingy, forcing 16 Cavalier turnovers that they converted into 14 points. Wise forced just nine turnovers, but took advantage of those miscues to the tune of 12 points.
- E&H held a narrow 24-22 advantage on points in the painted area.
- The Wasps got out in transition, putting up 19 fastbreak points compared to 11 for the visitors.
- The contest saw five ties and 12 lead changes.
Up Next
- Emory & Henry is at home on Saturday, February 14 when the Wasps host the Lady Catawba Indians of Catawba College. Tip is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. as game one of a doubleheader with the men's team.
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