Wise, Va. - For the second time on the week, UVa-Wise faced a team receiving votes in the NAIA Division II women's basketball poll. Kristin Mullins made sure the result was the same as she put in 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds including the biggest one of the game with 24 seconds to seal an 82-77 win over Union College.

UVa-Wise (11-7) stayed in the top position in the Appalachian Athletic Conference standings as it improved to 6-2 on the year and will face co-leader Milligan College on the road Wednesday night. Union fell to 5-4 in the league and 13-8 on the year.

Leading by a point, 71-70 with 2:12, Mullins hit a jumper in the paint to push it to three points. After a Lady Bulldogs timeout, Brittany Maxwell connected with a big triple for a 76-70 tally. Union's Brooke Smith made a three-point play before Maxwell was fouled and made two free throws, 76-73. Union failed to connect on its next shot and Mullins hauled in the rebound. Jaydee Brewer came in to shoot for Mullins and made both for a three possession game, 80-73, before the 82-77 final score.

Mullins hit 10 of 16 shots including her only three-point try for 24 points to go with 13 caroms, nine on the defensive side, for her fifth double-double of the season. Maxwell down three triples in five tries and made all four foul shots for 13 points. Ayla Young and Amber Carter also reached double figures with 12 and 11 points. Meghan Rutherford, Adrienne Womack and Chelsea Cluesman manned the inside with eight, seven and six rebounds.

The Cavs held the AAC's leading-scorer Smith of Union to eight of 23 shooting for 21 points. Carley Blankenship added 14 points for the Lady Bulldogs.

Union led by as many as eight points, 24-16, in the first half to lead 33-27 at intermission. The lead remained at eight points, 62-54, with 7:47 left in the contest. 

The Cavs netted the next 13 points of the game over a 3:18 to bust in front, 67-64, to lead into the deciding last three minutes.

The battle for the top of the AAC will tip at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday night.