Bluefield, WV – Bluefield State University women's basketball took down Mars Hill University 83-58 in their season opener at Ned E. Shott Gymnasium on Friday.
Big Blue Essence Cowan led all scorers with 26 points on the night. Dani Janutolo secured the double-double with 12 rebounds, 11 points and two assists. Aerihna Afoa contributed significantly, coming off the bench with 13 points.
Cowan started the scoring for the night after a three, assisted by Katrina Davis, to take the early lead. Midway through the first quarter, a three from Davis gave the Big Blue the 12-point lead (17-5). The Lions battled back within 2, but a three from Cowan at the buzzer took the Big Blue into the second quarter with the 22-17 advantage. After building a 15-point lead, the lions scored three with one minute remaining to take cut the deficit 40-28 going into the half.
The Big Blue out scored the lions in the third 26-11 to take the 27-point lead (66-39) into the final quarter.
The Big Blue had their largest lead of the night (30) with 7:23 left in play after a putback lay up from Janutolo.
"I am super proud of the team effort. Every number that was called tonight showed up and showed out!" said Head Coach Paul Davis. "I told them to enjoy the win for a moment and be happy, but don't be satisfied. The season is long and we are just getting started."
Up Next
The Big Blue will host Washington Adventist tomorrow, November 12th with tipoff at 6:30 p.m.
