BLUEFIELD, Va. – Bluefield University women's basketball kept pace early but struggled to find sustained offense as the Rams fell 64–46 to Brenau on Sunday evening inside The Dome.
The Rams opened the game with solid energy on both ends of the floor. Ashanti Northcross scored Bluefield's first basket on a strong drive to the rim, and Elizabeth Smith followed with a pair of free throws to keep the Rams within one possession. Elle Gunter knocked down a three-pointer late in the quarter, and Lauren Bragg added a layup in the paint as BU trailed just 18–14 after one.
Brenau created separation in the second quarter behind efficient shooting and second-chance opportunities. Northcross continued to attack the basket, scoring four points early in the period, while J'Maia Joseph added a free throw to cut the deficit to single digits. However, Brenau closed the half on a late run, limiting Bluefield to seven points in the quarter and taking a 35–21 lead into halftime.
The Rams showed renewed fight coming out of the break. Northcross scored twice in the opening minutes of the third quarter, and Zoey Snavely buried a three-pointer to bring Bluefield within 14. Gunter added a free throw, and Bragg finished inside to cap a brief run, but Brenau answered with timely perimeter shooting and free throws to extend its lead to 52–33 heading into the fourth.
BU continued to battle in the final period. Charli Wynn knocked down a three from the right wing, and Bragg scored twice in the paint to cut the margin to 15 midway through the quarter. Maddie Day added a fast-break layup in the closing minute, but Brenau closed the game at the free-throw line to secure the win.
Northcross led Bluefield with 14 points, four rebounds, and two steals. Gunter finished with eight points and three assists, while Bragg posted seven points and a team-high eight rebounds. Wynn added four points, and Elizabeth Smith contributed four points and five rebounds off the bench. Snavely chipped in three points and steady perimeter defense.
BU returns to action Wednesday, hosting Pikeville at 5:30 p.m. inside The Dome.
