Balanced Effort Puts UVa Past Davidson, 83-68

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CHARLOTTESVILLE Five Cavaliers scored in double figures as a balanced attack gave the Virginia women’s basketball team an 83-68 win over Davidson Thursday at John Paul Jones Arena. UVa returned from a 15-day break for final exams to improve its record to 7-4 on the season with the win, while the Wildcats fell to 6-4.

Reigning ACC Rookie of the Year and Naismith Trophy preseason watch list selection Monica Wright led the Cavaliers with 18 points, while Lyndra Littles added 17 points and four rebounds. Ever the playmaker and usually the assist-giver, fourth-year floor general Sharne Zoll got the offensive side of her game going as well, connecting on a season-high four 3-pointers and finishing with 16 points. She also dished out a game-high eight assists.

Aisha Mohammed also contributed 16 points and hauled down a team-high seven rebounds. Rounding out the starting lineup was Paulisha Kellum, who netted 12 points and grabbed five boards.

UVa went on a key 10-0 run in the first half to build early momentum and capitalized on its stingy defense to take a 42-26 lead at halftime.

The Wildcats pulled to within 10 points in the second half on two free throws by Mercedes Robinson, but Virginia responded with a 6-0 run and held on to win, 83-68.

The Cavaliers shot 52.4 percent (33-63) from the floor, including 50.0 percent (4-8) from behind the arc. Davidson shot 42.9 percent (27-63) from the floor and 33.3 percent (9-27) from three-point range.

The Wildcats were led by Mercedes Robinson, who had a game-high 22 points and 13 rebounds. Julia Paquette added 17 points off the bench for Davidson.

The Cavaliers return to action on Dec. 28-29 as they host the
Marriott Cavalier Classic.