KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Bluefield University women's basketball faced a tough road test Tuesday evening, falling 76–49 to Johnson University at Douglas E. Karnes Arena in Appalachian Athletic Conference play.
The Rams struck first in the opening quarter when Maddie Day came up with a steal and buried a three-pointer to give BU an early lead. Zoey Snavely followed with a jumper late in the period, but Johnson used transition scoring and second-chance opportunities to build a 17–7 advantage after one.
Bluefield showed improved offensive rhythm in the second quarter. Charli Wynn and Chloe Shields connected on three-pointers, while Elle Gunter attacked the rim and converted at the free-throw line to keep the Rams within reach. Snavely added another basket in the paint, and Abby O'Quinn knocked down a free throw late in the half, but Johnson closed strong to carry a 40–21 lead into the break.
The Rams continued to battle in the third quarter, matching Johnson point for point early. Anna Smith was active inside, scoring four points and grabbing multiple offensive rebounds to extend possessions. Gabriela Rosado added a strong finish in the paint, and J'Maia Joseph went 2-for-2 at the line as BU scored 14 points in the period. Despite the effort, Johnson maintained its momentum and pushed the lead to 61–35 entering the fourth.
Bluefield's bench provided a spark in the final quarter. O'Quinn scored five points in the period, including a three-pointer and a layup off an assist from Snavely. Snavely later capped the scoring with a corner three at the buzzer, closing the Rams' scoring run on a positive note.
Snavely led BU with nine points, while Ashanti Northcross, Wynn, Gunter, and Day each added five. O'Quinn finished with six points off the bench, and Smith posted a strong interior performance with four points and a team-high 13 rebounds. Rosado contributed six rebounds, two assists, and a block, and Joseph added two points and two steals in limited minutes.
Bluefield returns to the road Saturday, traveling to Bryan College for a 2:00 p.m. tipoff.
