The Virginia Cavaliers women's basketball team secured a decisive 80-35 victory over the Bucknell Bison on Sunday afternoon in JPJ Arena. Virginia started strong with a 13-point run and maintained control throughout the game. Bucknell struggled with shooting and turnovers in the non-conference matchup.
In Charlottesville, Virginia, the Cavaliers improved to 2-0 with a dominant performance against the 0-2 Bison. Virginia opened the game with a 13-0 run in the first five minutes of the first quarter. Bucknell finally scored when Anna Kunzwiler made a driving layup after the media timeout, but Virginia responded with three consecutive layups to end the quarter with a 20-point lead.
The second quarter was more competitive, with Bucknell outscoring Virginia closely as captain Tuana Coskun tallied all 10 of her points in the period, including a layup to start Bucknell's momentum. The Bison forced three turnovers but trailed 42-20 at halftime. Virginia's size and offensive power helped them extend the lead in the second half, out-rebounding Bucknell 52-23 and recording 10 steals.
In the third quarter, Paris Clark scored a layup for Virginia, followed by Reese Zemitis' response for Bucknell. Virginia then went on an 11-point run before Zemitis hit Bucknell's only three-pointer of the game. The quarter ended with Virginia leading 66-27 after seven unanswered points. The fourth quarter saw Bucknell open with a fast-break layup by Ella Kreuzer and free throws from Zemitis, but Virginia pulled away to the final 80-35 score. Kunzwiler hit the last shot for Bucknell.
Bucknell shot 27.8% from the field (20-for-72), 1-for-15 from three, and committed 16 turnovers. Virginia was led by Kymora Johnson with 23 points, seven assists, five steals, and three rebounds. Tabitha Amanze was Virginia's other double-digit scorer. For Bucknell, Zemitis added nine points and two steals, while Richards led with four rebounds and Kreuzer with three assists. The Bison next face Mount St. Mary's on November 12.
