Courtesy: Jim Daves/UVa Media Relations

March 19, 2012

The Virginia women's basketball team won their second game in row Monday night, defeating Richmond 68-55 to advance to the Sweet Sixteen of the WNIT. The Cavaliers will host Appalachian State on Thursday night at 7 p.m.

Ariana Moorer led the team with 16 points, followed by Lexie Gerson with 15 and Ataira Franklin with 14. The Cavaliers had 13 steals, including 5 from Moorer.

"The first game we were a little rusty," said Moorer. "But I think we got our confidence back this game. Turnovers were our Achilles heel today but we got pretty much back on track."

Richmond concluded their season with a 23-9 record. UVa improved to 24-10 overall on the season and 16-3 on their home court.

"There's some really tough teams coming down the stretch on our side of the bracket," said head coach Joanne Boyle. "And obviously the more we can pack this gym and get that attendance up, playing at home is such an advantage."

Virginia used a 10-0 run in the middle of the first half to take a 22-12 lead. Richmond would come all the way back to tie the game at 28-28 with :44 to play in the half. The Cavaliers held a 32-28 edge at the break after a bucket at the buzzer from Gerson.

UVa continued the momentum to open the second half on a 10-2 run. The Spiders cut their lead to eight two different times in the second half, but never got closer. Virginia's biggest lead was 16 points with 2:54 remaining.

Virginia and Appalachian State meet for the second time this season. The Cavaliers won 80-48 in their first game of the season back on November 11. With a win, the Cavaliers could meet another in-state foe as they'll square off with the winner of James Madison/South Florida.