Nichols’ Driving Layup Takes Lady Bulldogs over Lady Cavs 

January 4, 2007
Game Stats

Wise, Va – Ashley Nichols avoided getting fouled and drove into the lane for the game-winning basket with two seconds left to give Tennessee Wesleyan the 73-71win over UVA-Wise in women’s basketball Thursday afternoon.

Sheila Royall connected on two free throws with 14 seconds left in the game to tie the contest, 71-71, for UVA-Wise. Nichols took the inbound pass for the Lady Bulldogs and handled the ball the length of the court as she avoided various attempts at being fouled by the Lady Cavs, who had a foul to give, to work her way into the lane for the winning basket.

The heartbreaking defeat continued the UVA-Wise (1-14) losing streak to 13 games as well as keeping it winless, 0-5, in the Appalachian Athletic Conference. Tennessee Wesleyan improved to 10-4 overall and 3-2 in the conference.

Rachel Helton and Chelsea Lee pumped in 18 points apiece for the home team. Helton hit six of nine from three-point range. Lee was seven of 13 from the floor and four of four from the line to go with nine assists and three steals. Sarah Helton added 14 points and six rebounds while Terri Ann Hill chipped in 11 points.

Forward Leanne Pelham was the force inside for the Lady Bulldogs with a game-high 26 points on 11 of 13 shooting. She also had six boards and three steals. Jennifer Patterson and Ashley Hardaway hit double figures with 13 and 10 tallies.

After Tennessee Wesleyan opened a 9-2 lead in the first two minutes, UVA-Wise went on a 24-4 burst over the next seven minutes for a 26-13 lead. The Lady Cavs rode the momentum to a 40-28 intermission score.

The Lady Bulldogs charged out of the halftime with an 18-2 run in the first seven minutes to regain the lead, 46-42. The team’s would each enjoy a lead of six points by Tennessee Wesleyan, 52-46, and four points by UVA-Wise, 67-63, before being tied 69-69 with 1:20 in the contest. Pelham edged the visitors ahead with a layup at 39 seconds before the two Royall free throws to tie with 14 ticks.

UVA-Wise will take to the road for a 2:00 p.m. meeting at Montreat College on Saturday afternoon.