BLUEFIELD, Va. – Bluefield University women's basketball played Johnson & Wales even through three quarters, but a decisive fourth-period run by the visitors proved to be the difference as the Rams fell 78–48 Friday evening inside The Dome.
The Rams opened the game with strong defensive energy and matched Johnson & Wales basket for basket early. Ashanti Northcross scored Bluefield's first points on a layup in the paint, and Maddie Day followed with a three-pointer off a steal to give BU an early edge. Gabriela Rosado added a fast-break finish, and Northcross capped the quarter with another layup as the teams were tied 14–14 after one.
BU continued to battle in the second quarter. Abby O'Quinn scored on a fast-break layup off a Zoey Snavely assist to tie the game at 16, and Day connected on another three from the wing to put the Rams ahead 20–16. Charli Wynn knocked down a pair of free throws moments later, and Elle Gunter added an inside bucket to keep BU within striking distance. Johnson & Wales closed the half on a late run, however, taking a 34–27 lead into the break.
The Rams responded out of halftime with one of their strongest stretches of the night. Chloe Shields buried a three-pointer early in the third quarter, and Northcross and Gunter followed with back-to-back layups to trim the deficit to seven. J'Maia Joseph provided a spark off the bench, scoring five points during the period, while Rosado added a pair of finishes in the paint. Despite the push, Johnson & Wales maintained a 55–45 advantage entering the fourth.
The fourth quarter swung the momentum. Bluefield struggled to find rhythm offensively, managing just three points in the final period, while Johnson & Wales capitalized on turnovers and transition opportunities to pull away down the stretch.
Northcross led BU with 13 points, adding three rebounds, three assists, and a block. Day finished with seven points on two three-pointers, while Joseph and Rosado each scored six points off the bench. Gunter contributed five points, nine rebounds, and six assists, and Shields added five points and five rebounds. Wynn chipped in two points and steady guard play.
Bluefield returns to Appalachian Athletic Conference action on Saturday, hosting Truett McConnell at 2:00 p.m. inside The Dome.
