MILLIGAN, Tenn. – Bluefield University women's basketball used a strong opening quarter to keep pace early, but Milligan took control with a major second-quarter run as the Rams fell 96–48 Wednesday evening inside Steve Lacy Fieldhouse.
Bluefield (0–6, 0–3 AAC) opened the game with confident shot-making and defensive energy. After Milligan scored the first four points, the Rams responded with an 8–2 stretch highlighted by an Elle Gunter layup, a fast-break score by Ashanti Northcross, and back-to-back threes from Maddie Day. Day stayed hot just moments later, knocking down her third triple of the quarter to pull the Rams back within 13–15.
The teams traded baskets in the final minutes of the period, with Abby O'Quinn drilling a three to give BU an 18–17 lead and Gunter finishing in the lane to extend the advantage. Milligan answered with a late three to edge ahead 21–20 after one.
The second quarter proved decisive. The Buffaloes opened on a 10–2 run fueled by turnovers and transition scoring to push ahead by double digits. The Rams briefly steadied themselves with a Snavely fast-break three and a Gunter layup, but Milligan closed the half on a 15–2 surge, stretching its lead to 48–27 at the break.
Bluefield continued to compete early in the third quarter. Northcross scored two times in the paint, and Wynn added a layup and a three to keep the Rams within reach. Milligan, however, maintained its rhythm, using another extended run to widen the margin entering the fourth. In the final period, BU found late production from J'Maia Joseph, who scored twice, along with a jumper from Anna Smith, but the Buffaloes' depth carried them through the closing minutes.
Gunter led BU with 10 points and four rebounds, while Northcross added nine points, four rebounds, and a steal. Day finished with nine points—all from her three first-quarter threes—while Wynn contributed five points and three boards. Joseph added six points off the bench, and Snavely chipped in three points and three rebounds.
Bluefield returns to action November 20, traveling to Lees-McRae for a 5 p.m. tipoff.
