BLUEFIELD, Va. – Bluefield University women's basketball closed its 2025 slate with a strong opening quarter and a late fourth-quarter push, but Spartanburg Methodist held on for a 68–56 win Saturday afternoon inside The Dome.

The Rams set the tone early, jumping out to their best first-quarter shooting performance of the season. Maddie Day scored Bluefield's first four points, including a fast-break layup off a steal, and Gabriela Rosado added a quick finish inside to keep the Rams in front. Zoey Snavely knocked down a three at the 6:40 mark to extend the lead to four, and Lauren Bragg capped the quarter with a jumper in the lane as BU took a 19–17 advantage after one.

Spartanburg Methodist responded in the second quarter, using efficient shooting and trips to the free-throw line to regain momentum. Abby O'Quinn provided a spark off the bench with a pair of three-pointers midway through the period, and Ashanti Northcross added a strong finish in the paint to pull BU within five. However, the Pioneers closed the half on a late run to carry a 39–29 lead into the break.

Bluefield continued to compete in the third quarter, trading baskets through the opening minutes. Day hit a jumper in the lane, followed by a Northcross fast-break layup to cut the deficit to eight. Elle Gunter added a midrange jumper, but Spartanburg Methodist answered with timely perimeter shooting to stretch the margin to 54–41 entering the fourth.

The Rams made one final push in the closing period. Day caught fire from beyond the arc, drilling three triples in the final six minutes, including back-to-back threes at the 3:00 and 2:19 marks to bring BU within 13. Northcross and O'Quinn added points at the line in the final minute, but Spartanburg Methodist sealed the game with late free throws.

Day led all Bluefield scorers with 21 points on 8-of-16 shooting, including four three-pointers. O'Quinn finished with 10 points off the bench, while Northcross added eight points, five rebounds, and five assists. Gunter contributed six points, eight rebounds, and four steals, and Snavely added six points and steady perimeter defense.

BU (0–13, 0–7 AAC) opens 2026 on the road, traveling to AAC opponent Columbia January 3 for a 1:30 p.m. tipoff.