THE GAME FACTS

• Score:  Roanoke 57, Virginia Wesleyan 56
• Records:  Maroons 6-0, 4-0 ODAC; Marlins 4-6, 1-5 ODAC
• Location:  Virginia Beach, Va.
• The Short Story: The Roanoke women's basketball used a big push in the middle two quarters en route to their sixth win in a row to start the season with a 57-56 win over Virginia Wesleyan on Saturday evening in Virginia Beach. The undefeated Maroons were led by Madison Nereu's 15 points and 11 rebounds, both game-highs.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The first quarter was one of attrition with neither team finding a sustained offensive push. Both teams had leads of three points in the quarter with the score tied at 13-13 after the first 10 minutes of the contest.
• The second quarter was all Maroons as Roanoke held the Marlins to just five points in the quarter while more than doubling their first 10 minute point output, leading Virginia Wesleyan 29-18 at the break.
• Roanoke pushed its lead to as many as 17 at 37-20 with 5:12 left in the quarter. The teams would go back and forth and trade baskets the rest of the period with the Maroons keeping a 16 point lead heading into the final period.
• It was in the fourth quarter where the Marlins doubled their first three quarters offensive output and pulled even with a three pointer with just nine seconds left in the game at 56-56, forcing the Maroons to call a timeout. A quick foul by VWU sent Sayre Brandstatter to the free-throw line where she made one of two to put Roanoke ahead 57-56. A last second shot attempted by the Marlins clanked off the rim, allowing Roanoke come away with the 57-56 win in Virginia Beach.

BY THE NUMBERS

• In addition to Nereu's 15 points, Brandstatter finished with 12 points and both Lauren Keel and Morgan Micallef each scored 10.

UP NEXT

• After a break for final exams, the Maroons will travel south to the Sunshine State for the 2022 Dayton Beach Shootout. Roanoke will kick off the two games with a contest against Hood on Monday, December 19 at 11 a.m. in Daytona Beach.