In a thrilling display of determination, the Bluefield University Rams notched another mark in the win column during Saturday's game against the Kentucky Christian Knights. The crucial conference matchup saw both teams battling from start to finish, but it was the Rams' resilience and teamwork that ultimately led them to victory.
Bluefield got out to an early lead before allowing KCU to rally back, locking the score in at 31-29 at halftime, in favor of KCU.
The halftime speech given by Head Coach Jake Wright lit a fire under the Rams as they came out with an explosive second half. The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams playing intense defense and only scoring six points apiece.
Rams' standout guard Destiny Long hit key shots and drives from point guard Lina Pagan early in the fourth quarter to keep all momentum in favor of Bluefield. In a commanding finish, BU outscored the Knights in the second half 52-35, ensuring another Bluefield win.
Spotlight Performers
·        Destiny Long: 35 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals
·        Ahmiah Jordan: 11 points, 5 rebounds
·        Elle Gunter: 7 points, 4 assists, 2 steals
·        Lina Pagan: 6 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals
·        Gabriela Rosado: 12 points, 3 rebounds
The win improves Bluefield's record to 2-4 in conference play and 2-6 on the season.
Senior Destiny Long talks about how these back-to-back wins give the team a boost going into their final conference matchup before the holiday break.
"These two wins have given the team confidence to know we can compete and win against other teams in this conference," Long said.
Head Coach Jake Wright hopes this win will maintain the winning mentality amongst the team.
"This team's momentum comes from the unselfishness they played with against KCU," Coach Wright noted. "They truly put the team first and gave everything they could to win the game. That momentum will hopefully keep pushing this team to strive for greatness, while changing this program's culture."
Defense has been a point of focus for the Rams throughout the season, and now their hard work is beginning to show.
"The defense in the second half was the difference in the game as we just amped up the intensity and effort, and it led to great opportunities to get stops that turn into offensive production," Coach Wright said.
Offensive efficiency was key today for the Rams, as they shot 55% from the FG, 50% from 3PT, and 73.3% from the free throw line.
Looking ahead, the Rams face another conference matchup against Tennessee Wesleyan University on December 10 at 6 p.m. at the Dome Gymnasium.
