Wise, Virginia-It took slightly longer than expected, but The University of Virginia's College at Wise women's basketball team notched their first Mid-South Conference win of the season, knocking off The University of Pikeville 80-52. It began as a tight affair, with both teams trading the lead early in the opening half, but ended in a blowout, as the Cavaliers outscored the visiting Bears 36-22 in the second half. The Cavs took the lead on a jumper by Amber Carter with nine minutes remaining in the first half and never relinquished it. The home team held Pikeville to 30% shooting from the field and did now allow the visitors to connect on a three point basket, as the Bears went 0-13 from long distance. The Cavs shot 44% from the field in one of their better all around performances of the season. Carter was the game's leading scorer, pouring in 22 points on 8-16 shooting from the field and a perfect 6-6 from the free throw line. Pikeville was led by forward Brogan Conley, who scored 14 points and added seven rebounds.
Carter, the game's leading scorer, scored the majority of her buckets on fast break opportunities created by her defense, as she snatched five steals and converted four into easy layups on the break. She also added nine rebounds, including five on the offensive end, an impressive feat for the point guard. Carter led the Cavs in assists as well, dishing out five assists to go with her five steals. Chelsea Cluesman continued her streak of double doubles, scoring 18 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and adding three assists. Charlotte Reasor added nine points for the Cavs, as did senior forward Kristin Mullins. Mullins also grabbed six rebounds and passed out three assists.
Conley led the Pikeville attack with 14 points, and added seven rebounds on the boards. Whitney B. Jackson was the only other Bear in double digits, scoring 13 points and leading the visitors in rebounds with nine (four offensive). Athletic combo guard Jalisa Jones led Pikeville in assists with two and nabbed one steal.
With the win, the Cavaliers the Cavaliers improve to 5-14 overall and 1-7 in the Mid-South. UVa-Wise will be in action again Thursday, as they host nationally-ranked (#20) Lindsay Wilson. That game will begin at 6:00 PM and will be broadcast 92.1 WDIC FM. All results can be found at http://www.uvawisecavs.com
