SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Bluefield University women's basketball faced a tough road test Saturday afternoon, falling 84–54 to Spartanburg Methodist at Bridges Arena in Appalachian Athletic Conference play.
The Pioneers set the tone early, opening the game with efficient shooting and building a quick advantage. Bluefield answered with energy on the defensive end, as Ashanti Northcross came up with a steal and converted a layup to put the Rams on the board. Elle Gunter added a three-pointer from the wing midway through the quarter, and Anna Smith scored inside late, but Spartanburg Methodist carried a 21–9 lead after one.
BU showed improved offensive rhythm in the second quarter. Smith was active around the rim, scoring six points in the period, while Zoey Snavely knocked down a three to spark a brief run. Gabriela Rosado added a pair of free throws, and Abby O'Quinn finished a layup in transition as the Rams outscored the Pioneers 19–22 in the quarter. Despite the push, Spartanburg Methodist maintained control and led 43–28 at halftime.
The Rams continued to compete coming out of the break. Snavely hit another three early in the third quarter, and Maddie Day added a jumper to keep Bluefield within reach. Smith controlled the glass on both ends and finished through contact for a three-point play, while Lauren Bragg provided strong rebounding off the bench. Spartanburg Methodist, however, answered with timely baskets to extend its lead to 60–41 entering the fourth.
BU battled through the final period, getting scoring from Elizabeth Smith inside and another triple from Chloe Shields. Rosado added points at the free-throw line, and Gunter contributed steady defense as the Rams continued to attack despite the deficit. Spartanburg Methodist closed the game with late free throws to secure the win.
Smith led BU with 11 points and a team-high nine rebounds, while Snavely followed with 10 points on two three-pointers. Elizabeth Smith added six points, and Gunter finished with six points and four assists. Shields and Rosado each contributed four points, while Bragg pulled down seven rebounds to go along with solid interior defense.
Bluefield returns home Monday for a non-conference matchup against Brenau, with tipoff set for 5:30 p.m. inside The Dome.
