BLUEFIELD, Va. – Bluefield University women's basketball battled through a tightly contested first half, but Georgia Gwinnett used a decisive third-quarter stretch to pull away in a 66–44 decision Tuesday evening inside The Dome.
The Rams opened with strong defensive energy and grabbed an early spark from Charli Wynn, who knocked down a three-pointer at the 8:19 mark off an Ashanti Northcross assist to cut the deficit to one. Zoey Snavely followed with a jumper in the paint, and Elle Gunter scored on a strong interior finish to keep Bluefield within striking distance. Despite multiple offensive rebounds from Gunter, Georgia Gwinnett closed the quarter on a late putback to take a 15–10 lead after one.
BU found its rhythm in the second quarter. Anna Smith connected on a midrange jumper early, and Abby O'Quinn buried a three-pointer at the 7:30 mark to tie the game at 15–15. J'Maia Joseph then provided a spark off the bench, scoring nine points in the period, including a go-ahead three and four straight free throws to give the Rams a brief 24–22 advantage. Gabriela Rosado added a late layup in the paint, but Georgia Gwinnett responded with a closing run to carry a 31–26 lead into halftime.
The Grizzlies seized control in the third quarter, opening on a 9–0 run fueled by transition baskets. O'Quinn answered with a three-pointer at the 4:08 mark, and Gunter added a layup late in the period, but Georgia Gwinnett extended its lead to 46–33 entering the fourth.
Bluefield continued to fight in the final quarter. Anna Smith opened the scoring with a jumper off a Joseph assist, and Gunter connected on a three at the 6:23 mark to trim the deficit to 53–38. Maddie Day and Wynn each hit late threes, but Georgia Gwinnett capitalized on turnovers and free throws to secure the win.
Gunter led BU with 12 points and 17 rebounds, marking the highest rebounding total of her collegiate career. Joseph added nine points off the bench, while O'Quinn finished with six points and three rebounds. Wynn contributed six points, and Anna Smith added six points and a block. Northcross recorded five assists and two steals, and Rosado chipped in two points in limited minutes.
Bluefield returns to Appalachian Athletic Conference play Thursday, hosting Milligan at 5:30 p.m. inside The Dome.
