Rams Late First Half Surge Keys Win Over Cavs

January 10, 2007
Game Stats

Wise, VA – In a one possession game, Bluefield College surged for 27 points in the final eight minutes of the opening have to key its 87-70 win over the UVA-Wise men’s hoops team Wednesday.

Bluefield kept its tie among the Appalachian Athletic Conference leaders at 6-1 and now 12-7 on the year. UVA-Wise falls to 5-13 and 2-5 in the conference.

Jarred Soles tied a career-high for the Highland Cavaliers with a 30-point effort to go with four assists. Zydrunas Rackauskas had a solid outing by making 11 of 15 from the floor for 24 points and 18 rebounds. The Cavs won the board battle, 46-33.

Bluefield had three double figure scorers led by Curtis Dixon. Dixon made eight of 11 including five from long-range for 23 points to go with seven rebounds and four steals. J.R. Montgomery hit five three-pointers for 18 points while Seth Plemmons added 10 tallies. Omar Reed grabbed 12 caroms. The visitors forced the Cavs into 24 turnovers.

The opening 12 minutes were very tight with Bluefield ahead 23-20. The Rams started the key stretch of the contest. Bluefield pushed the margin to double figures, 32-22, with a 9-2 run. The team added a 7-0 run to increase the difference to 19 points with 23 seconds in the first half before two Soles free throws made it 50-33.

UVA-Wise was able to cut the deficit to nine points three times with the last, 67-58, with 7:34 in the game. Bluefield responded with seven-straight points to squelch any comeback hopes for the eventual 87-70 victory.

The Cavs return to action Saturday night for a 7:30 p.m. game at Milligan College.