Wynn’s 30-Point Performance Secures 73-70 Victory Against Bluefield

BLUEFIELD, Va. - Union Commonwealth University's women's basketball team (5-15, 4-9 AAC) defeated Bluefield University (2-18, 2-11 AAC) on Wednesday night at The Dome Gymnasium, 73-70. 

Freshman forward Aymanni Wynn led the Bulldogs with 30 points, marking her second-highest scoring performance of the season, while also adding four rebounds, two steals and a block.

Sophomore point guard Emrey Glover finished with 10 points, three assists and two steals. Junior guard Rachel Smith led Union on the glass with eight rebounds and paced the team with five assists, along with four points.

Senior guard Isis Rodgers and sophomore center Lindsey Pirkle each scored eight points, with Pirkle pulling down seven rebounds.

How It Happened

First Quarter: Union Commonwealth 19, Bluefield 14

Union and Bluefield battled in a back-and-forth first quarter, with Wynn setting the pace early, scoring from midrange and at the line. The teams traded three lead changes before Noe sparked the final shift at 3:36,  connecting on a layup and an inside jumper to put Union ahead 11-10. Wynn and Pirkle broadened the advantage, hitting consecutive 3-pointers with about a minute remaining. The Rams hit a last-second three, but Union held on to take a 19-14 lead into the second quarter.

Second Quarter: Union Commonwealth 37, Bluefield 30

Bluefield opened the second quarter with an 8-0 run in the first two minutes to tie the game and take the lead. Union answered with a layup by Glover, followed by a Noe layup to put the Bulldogs back in front, a lead they would hold for the remainder of the quarter. In the final two minutes, Union went on a 7-0 run, fueled by multiple connections from Coffey, while Rodgers and Glover added points down low to give the Bulldogs a 37-30 lead at the break.

Third Quarter: Union Commonwealth 55, Bluefield 46

Union extended their lead early in the third as Wynn dominated the first four minutes, scoring three straight baskets. Smith added a jumper and Wynn connected from beyond the arc, pushing the Bulldogs' margin to a game-high 13 points around the four-minute mark. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, with Smith, Rodgers, and Glover contributing points to close the quarter with Union ahead 55-46.

Fourth Quarter: Union Commonwealth 73, Bluefield 70

Union opened the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer from Wynn to push the lead to nine after early Bluefield baskets briefly trimmed the deficit. Bluefield continued to chip away and eventually tied the game at 65 with just over two minutes remaining. In the closing moments, the teams traded baskets and free throws before Wynn knocked down a key jumper and sealed the win with back-to-back free throws to give Union a 73-70 edge. A final defensive stop and rebound by Noe secured the Bulldogs' victory.

Up Next

The Bulldogs will return home to host Brenau University on Saturday, Jan. 21, with tipoff set for 12:00 p.m. at Robsion Arena.