COLUMBIA, S.C. – Bluefield University women's basketball opened Saturday's road matchup with strong perimeter shooting, but Columbia used consistent scoring across all four quarters to pull away as the Rams fell 76–58 at Godbold Arena.
The Rams set the tone early behind Maddie Day, who knocked down three three-pointers in the opening five minutes. Day connected from deep at the 9:46 and 8:09 marks, then added a third triple at 5:24 to give Bluefield a 12–8 advantage. Charli Wynn and Ashanti Northcross followed with free throws and a layup to keep BU in front, but Columbia closed the quarter on a late run to take a 21–16 lead after one.
Bluefield continued to compete in the second quarter. Northcross scored five points in the opening minutes, including a strong finish at the rim and two free throws, while J'Maia Joseph added points at the line. Anna Smith gave the Rams a lift midway through the period with a jumper inside, and Day added another basket late, but Columbia used a pair of three-pointers and second-chance opportunities to extend its lead to 40–30 at halftime.
The third quarter proved difficult offensively for BU. Despite interior scoring from Smith and a finish by Northcross, Columbia opened the half on a 10–2 run to create separation. Elle Gunter and Northcross added baskets in the paint, but the Rams were held to nine points in the period as Columbia pushed its advantage to 57–39 entering the fourth.
Bluefield showed fight in the final quarter. Abby O'Quinn and Zoey Snavely each knocked down three-pointers, and Smith converted three free throws to keep the Rams attacking. Northcross and Gunter added late buckets inside, and Snavely closed the scoring with a corner three in the final minute.
Day led BU with 13 points, all coming from beyond the arc. Northcross added 10 points, four rebounds, five assists, and a team-high five steals. Smith posted a strong effort off the bench with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Gunter contributed five points and five rebounds. Wynn added five points and steady guard play, and O'Quinn and Snavely combined for six points off the bench.
Bluefield (0–13, 0–8 AAC) returns to action Wednesday, traveling to Columbia International for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff.
