Box Score
The BJU Bruins have had a rough stretch as of late as the team has lost their last 7 games. The most recent loss came at home against Southern Polytechnic State University last Friday night. Looking to get their season back on track, the Bruins welcomed the Trinity Baptist College Eagles to the Davis Field House on Friday night. The Bruins were celebrating Alumni Appreciation Night as hundreds of local alumni packed the field house to cheer on their Bruins. "We had a tremendous crowd tonight. I can't tell you how much we appreciate having our alumni here," Coach Ring said. "They showed up big and they really made a difference for us tonight especially with the students not being here. We hope they continue to support us throughout the season." The Eagles and Bruins met earlier this season with the Eagles getting the upper hand in a 96-66 loss.
As the game began, the Bruins were on fire from the field as Zach Mercado and company made their first 13 shots in the game. Despite their quick offensive start, the Eagles matched the Bruins point for point as the two teams kept it close throughout the opening minutes. As the game wore on, the hot shooting began to wear off a bit as the Eagles and Bruins battled for each point. The game took on a physical toll as the teams exchanged hard fouls and turnovers throughout the first half. Zach Mercado couldn't miss throughout the first half as he was 3-3 from three point range and 5-6 from the field in the first half. "We were able to get open looks," Coach Neal Ring said. "When we opened up the offense and moved the ball around we were able to get the ball in the hands of guys who were really clicking tonight." The Bruins made several costly turnovers down the stretch but the game was 39-38 at the half.
"We need to make better decisions when we get possession of the ball," Coach Ring said. "Often times we will make a great play defensively only to turn the ball over. You also have to give credit to their team. They really executed well tonight and knocked down a lot of shots."
In the second half, the Bruins committed several turnovers and what once was a 1 point deficit was not a double digit deficit. The Eagles were on fire from behind the arc as the team shot 57% on the night. The Bruins were able to cut into the deficit several times throughout the second half as the team shot 47% from the floor. As the game wore on, the Bruins perimeter players struggled to drive the lane and create opportunities. The Bruins also struggled from the free throw line tonight in shooting 31% on the night. In the waning minutes, the Bruins tried everything they could to get back into the game. As the final buzzer sounded, the Bruins had suffered their 8th straight loss in a 79-65 game.
"I really am proud of our guys' effort and I have a lot of confidence in our team," Coach Ring said. "I see what they can do in practice and it is frustrating that our play doesn't carry over into games. Each night the effort is there and I am proud that our guys give 100% every game. This break is going to be good for them to be able to rest up and focus on what they need to do to capture success for the second half of the season."
Zach Mercado led the way for the Bruins with 21 points on the night while Kyle Turner added a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. With the loss, the Bruins move to 1-14 on the year. The team will now go into their holiday break, and will have the opportunity to prepare for the second half of the season. Despite their record, the coaches and players are confident in their ability to build on this teams' foundation for years to come.
