MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. – Bluefield University women's basketball opened Saturday's matchup with early energy, but a series of Mount Olive scoring runs proved too much to overcome as the Rams fell 79–42 at Kornegay Arena.
The Rams struck first when Gabriela Rosado knocked down a jumper just 18 seconds into the contest, then added a second basket minutes later off a feed from Ashanti Northcross to keep BU within 6–4. However, turnovers mounted early, and Mount Olive used a string of fast-break opportunities to build a 12–4 lead midway through the quarter. Bluefield battled back behind a Zoey Snavely three-pointer at the 2:36 mark and a late triple from Charli Wynn with 25 seconds remaining, cutting the deficit to 20–10 after one.
The Trojans continued their momentum into the second quarter, opening on a 7–0 run before O'Quinn buried a three from the right side to make it 33–14. Despite strong defensive rebounding from Northcross, Rosado, and Lauren Bragg, Mount Olive extended its advantage with inside scoring and transition baskets to take a 39–18 lead into halftime.
BU put together its best push early in the third. Rosado finished through contact for a three-point play to make it 21–39, and Maddie Day knocked down a three-pointer moments later to bring the margin to 24–39. Rosado added another layup at the 5:33 mark before the Trojans countered with a 14–2 surge to close the quarter up 55–28.
The Rams continued to compete in the fourth, getting a layup from Snavely to open the period and a three-pointer from Elizabeth Smith to make it 60–35 with 5:53 remaining. Najah Ghani-Perryman closed the afternoon strong, scoring six of her seven points in the final three minutes, including a driving layup with 20 seconds left.
Rosado paced Bluefield with nine points, six rebounds, and a block. Northcross contributed a full line with three points, four rebounds, five assists, and a team-high three steals. Snavely finished with five points and three boards, Wynn added three points and three rebounds, and Ghani-Perryman posted seven points and two rebounds off the bench. Day, O'Quinn, and Smith each knocked down a three, while J'Maia Norman and Haley Smith combined for six points and seven boards.
BU (0–7, 0–3 AAC) returns to action Wednesday, traveling across town to face Bluefield State at 5 p.m.
