The Virginia women’s basketball team defeated in-state foe Richmond, 68-55, Monday (March 19) in the second round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT). The Cavaliers advance to host Appalachian State in the third round on Thursday (March 22) at 7 p.m. at John Paul Jones Arena.
With the win, UVa improved to 24-10 overall on the season and 16-3 at JPJA. Richmond concluded its season with a 23-9 record.
Senior guard Ariana Moorer (Woodbridge, Va.) led three Cavaliers in double figures for scoring,netting 16 points while adding eight assists and five steals. Lexie Gerson (Fort Washington, Pa.) added 15 points and Ataira Franklin (Bowie, Md.) scored 14 points.
Off the bench, Telia McCall (Marietta, Ga.) was one point shy of a double-double with nine points and a team-high 10 rebounds.
Virginia shot 42 percent from the field, connecting on 24-of-57 attempts including 7-of-17 three-pointers. Virginia out-rebounded Richmond, 38-30, and improved to 16-0 this season when out-rebounding an opponent.
Richmond represented the Cavaliers’ 25th opponent this season that scored fewer than 60 points.
It was Virginia’s fourth-consecutive win in the series with the Spiders.
Spider guard Abby Oliver was her team’s leading scorer with 16 points. Kristina King and Becca Wann each added 12 points, while Wann grabbed 11 boards for a double-double.
UVa led 32-28 at halftime and started the second half on a 10-2 run to take a 42-30 lead with 17:19 remaining in the game on a 3-pointer by Franklin.
Richmond cut the Cavalier lead to eight points twice later in the half but did not get closer down the stretch.
For Thursday’s game vs. Appalachian State, ticket prices are $9 for adults and $7 for youth, students and seniors. All tickets will be sold as general admission. Doors to John Paul Jones Arena will open at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets can bepurchased online at VirginiaSports.com, by calling the Virginia Athletics Ticket Office at (800) 542-UVA1 or in person at the John Paul Jones Arena box office beginning 90 minutes prior to tip-off.
Game day parking will be available, free of charge, at John Paul Jones Arena and University Hall parking lots.
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