Men's Basketball by Jonny Gamet

Bruins Outlast Eagles 61-53

Team captures first home win in program's history

Box Score
The BJU Bruins began the second half of their season on Saturday night as the team welcomed in the Toccoa Falls College Eagles. The two teams had squared off in November with the Bruins winning 82-72. Both teams had seen their share of struggles this season as the Eagles were riding a 12-game losing streak, and the Bruins an 8-game skid. 

bruins toccoa falls
From the opening tip, the Bruins came out strong and executed crisp passing on the offensive end. The team showed poise and control and worked each possession to generate an open look. On the defensive side of the ball, the Bruins were able to muscle their way into forcing turnovers as Josh Clater and company pressured the Eagles' post players. "We were able to make sure they didn't get the ball deep in the post," Clater said. "That was able to keep us from giving them easy baskets." As the first half wore on, the Bruins' continued to work the offense and knock down shots just before the shot clock expired. As the clock expired to end the first half, the Bruins had a 26-17 lead. 
"We came in with a very specific game plan tonight," Coach Ring said. "We did a great job of defending, and we really took care of the basketball." 

In the second half, the Bruins showed their poise and control as Darnel Antoine, Evan Brondyke knocked down open shots while Josh Clater battled for points in the paint. "Coach had been emphasizing to me to be patient," Bruins' forward Josh Clater said. "Whether to make a move or kick it back out, we just focused on making good decisions." The Bruins knocked down clutch shots down the stretch and were able to shot 12-16 from the free throw line. As the buzzer sounded, the Bruins had captured their 2nd win of the season, and the first home win in school history 61-53.

"We hung 0-0 signs all over our locker room before this game," Coach Ring said. "We wanted the guys to focus on the fact that this is a brand new season for us and that we can take it one step at a time."

The Bruin faithful were in full force for the game tonight, and both the players and coaches expressed their appreciation. "We could feel the energy and adrenaline," Forward Josh Clater said. "That energy really surges us and it fuels us to continue to play for God's glory. We're so thankful for the fans that came tonight." 

The Bruins limited Eagles' guard Josh Barrett to 6 points on the night. In their previous meeting, Barrett had torched the Bruins with 25 points. Josh Clater led all scorers with 16 points and Darnel Antoine added 14. The Bruins shot 52% from the field while out-rebounding the Eagles 31-23. 

With the win, the Bruins move to 2-14 on the season and will face a tough test at home next Friday night when the team welcomes Pensacola Christian College.  
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