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Nov. 12, 2000
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Junior guard Telisha Quarles scored eight points in the final three minutes to lead the University of Virginia women’s basketball team to a 72-66 victory over George Washington in the second round of the Preseason National Invitation Tournament at University Hall tonight. The Cavaliers advanced to the semifinals of the Preseason WNIT with the victory and will play Louisiana Tech on November 19.
Virginia led throughout the first half, despite having Naismith Player of the Year candidate Schuye LaRue only playing three minutes due to two quick personal fouls. The Cavaliers jumped out to a 13-7 lead and increased their lead to 11 points on a Marcie Dickson basket with 8:25 left in the first half. George Washington went on a 10-0 run and cut the margin to 21-20, but Virginia increased its lead to 36-28 at halftime. Chalois Lias came off the bench to score 11 points and register 10 rebounds in the first half for Virginia.
The Cavaliers extended their lead in the opening minutes of the second half to 13 points, but George Washington rallied and went on a 23-11 run to cut the Virginia lead to 56-55. A Corrin Reid basket with 7:55 left in the game gave the Colonials their first lead. Quarles tied the game at 61-61 with a three-point basket at the 3:04 mark. The junior guard followed that with another three-pointer to give Virginia a 64-61 lead. Svetlana Volnaya connected on two free throws and Dean’na Mitchelson added one to give Virginia a six-point lead, but an Elena Vishniakova three-point basket cut the Cavaliers lead to 69-66 with :48 left in the game. Quarles sealed the win for Virginia when she stole the ball and was fouled with 13 seconds remaining. She connected on both free throws and Mitchelson added another one with seven seconds remaining to give the Cavaliers a 72-66 win.
Four players scored in double figures for Virginia, led by Quarles’ 17 points, including four three-pointers. Dickson registered 11 points and six rebounds and Lias finished with a double-double, recording 11 points and 14 rebounds. Volnaya added 10 points for the Cavaliers. Reid led George Washington with 16 points and Ugo Oha registered a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Virginia advanced to the semifinals and will play Louisiana Tech on November 19, but the site will not be announced until the last game of the second round is played at Purdue on November 13. Louisiana Tech advanced to the semifinals with an 85-53 win over Rice earlier today. Texas also advanced to the semifinals with a 71-47 win over Tulane, and will play the winner of the game between Georgetown and Purdue.