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CHARLOTTESVILLE – The Virginia women’s basketball team hosts Appalachian State on Thursday (March 22) at John Paul Jones Arena in the third round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m., and the game will air locally on WINA 1070 AM. That broadcast, along with live statistics, can be accessed at VirginiaSports.com.

All students in attendance at Thursday’s game will be entered into drawings to win a 37″ LCD HDTV and a $500 scholarship towards fall 2012 semester tuition. You must sign in at the promotions table located in the main lobby of John Paul Jones Arena and show a valid student ID along with your ticket in order to be eligible to win.

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 be purchased 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.

Virginia (24-10) has won two games to open postseason play, defeating Howard in the first round, 59-56 in overtime, and Richmond in the second round, 68-55.

Virginia is 16-3 at home this season and has won five out of its last six games overall.

Ariana Moorer (Woodbridge, Va.) and Ataira Franklin (Bowie, Md.) both average in double figures for UVa in scoring, with Moorer leading the way at 14.2 points per game. Franklin contributes 12.3 points per game and Lexie Gerson (Fort Washington, Pa.) adds 9.4 points per game.

In the frontcourt, Chelsea Shine (Wayne, Pa.) and Simone Egwu (Odenton, Md.) are two of the team’s leading rebounders at 5.7 and 4.3 rebounds per game, respectively. Shine adds 7.8 points per game for Virginia.

The Cavaliers are making their fifth WNIT appearance (1980, 2006, 2007, 2011 and 2012) and hold a 10-5 record in 15 games. It is Virginia’s 30th overall postseason appearance.

UVa advanced to the WNIT quarterfinals in 2006, 2007 and 2011 and the semifinals in 1980.

Virginia and Appalachian State (26-7, 17-3 SoCon) met in the season-opener (Nov. 11), with UVa prevailing by a score of 80-48. The Mountaineers are led by Anna Freeman’s 15.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Appalachian State head coach Darcie Vincent is in her fourth season.

Appalachian State defeated UNC Wilmington, 79-73, in the first round and NC State, 66-62, in the second round.

The season-opening game between UVa and Appalachian State was the first meeting between the two programs.

The winner of Thursday’s contest will face the winner of James Madison vs. South Florida (Friday, 7 p.m.) at a date and time to be determined.

For more information on the 2012 WNIT, please visit www.womensnit.com.

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