WISE, VA - Down 15 with five minutes remaining, the Lenoir-Rhyne Women's Basketball team nearly mounted an improbably comeback, cutting the game to three with 17 second remaining. Despite their efforts the Bears would fall just short, 84-79, as the Cavaliers hit their free throws late. 

Pacing the way for the Bears was Blaikley Crooks, who scored as season high 28 in the loss. Emily Harman joined her in the 20-point club with 21.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Lenoir-Rhyne 79, UVA Wise 84
Records: Lenoir-Rhyne 5-10 (3-8 SAC), UVA Wise 8-7 (5-6 SAC)
Location: Wise, VA | David J. Prior Convocation Center

STORY OF THE GAME:

• The Bears looked good early, going up 12-4 five minutes into the opening period.
• Lenoir-Rhyne led 15-12 after one.
• UVA Wise outscored the Bears 25-9 in the second quarter and took a 37-24 lead into the break.
• The Cavaliers extended their lead to 59-43 after three.
• An Emily Harman three with 2:48 remaining in the game ignited a 12-4 run by the Bears, which was capped off by two free throws from Blaikley Crooks
• UVA Wise went 4-4 on free throws in the final 20 seconds to seal the win.

STATS OF THE GAME:

• Blaikley Crooks led the way with 28 points, followed by Emily Harman (21) and Tilda Lindstroem (14).
• Harman led the way with a season high eight rebounds.
• LR was 24-56 (42.9%) from the field and 3-15 (20%) from three.
• The Bears hit 28 free throws, their most since February 20, 2019, when they hit 29 against Coker.
• The Cavaliers were 27-56 (48.2%) from the field and 6-15 (40%) from behind the arc.

UP NEXT: Lenoir-Rhyne will travel to Anderson on Wednesday to take on the Trojans. Anderson took down Tusculum 92-63 on Saturday to move to 11-6 (7-4 SAC). Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.