Wise, VA - UVa- Wise started the game on a 7-0 run and never relinquished the lead, en route to a 59-52 victory over visiting University of Rio Grande. The win gives the Cavaliers their first Mid-South Conference win this season.

For the RedStorm , freshman D.D. Joiner led the team in points with 18 and rebounds with 11. Rio was held to a 34.8 percent shooting from the field but out rebounded the Cavaliers 50-35.

In the win, the Cavaliers used a 31 point, nine rebound performance by guard Javon Moore. Darius Smith was the team's second leading scorer with eight points and also contributed four assists. UVa-Wise as a team forced 16 RedStorm turnovers while only turning the ball over ten times. The ten turnovers are the fewest by UVa-Wise since their season opener against Virginia Intermont.

With the win, UVa-Wise improves its record to 4-4 overall and 1-3 in Mid-South play. Meanwhile, the loss drops the RedStorm to 4-4 overall and 1-3 in league play. The Cavaliers will return to action on Saturday when Shawnee State University visits the Prior Center. Tip-off is set for 4:00 p.m. and all of the action can be heard on 93.5 WAXM and online at www.waxm.com