Box Score
The BJU Bruins traveled to Georgia on Thursday afternoon to begin the NCCAA D1 South Regional Tournament at Emmanuel College. The Bruins secured the #8 ranking in the region and were set to face off against the #1 ranked Shorter University Hawks. Shorter University was coming into the tournament on the heels of a benches-clearing brawl in their last home game of the season against Alabama-Huntsville. No suspensions were handed out, and the Hawks were at full strength against the Bruins. The team knew they would be in for a tough test as Shorter University competes in the NCAA DII and is 15-11 on the season. The Bruins were hoping for a Cinderella story as the team was hoping their season would last one game longer.
From the opening tip, the Bruins played with reckless abandon as the team went right at the Hawks. Zach Mercado and Evan Brondyke provided the sleek shooting, while the Bruins battled for rebounds. "We came out strong and really put out a great effort," Coach Ring said. "We knew this was going to be a tough test, and we had our guys prepared mentality for this matchup." As the first half continued, neither team was able to establish a sizable lead. Back and forth they went with both teams trying to gain the upper hand. At the break, the Bruins were tied with the Hawks 30-30. Whispers of "upset" began to ripple through the crowd.
"Our guys have been committed to working hard all season long," Coach Ring said. "No matter what the score of the game, they showed they wanted to leave it all on the court."
In the second half, the Hawks came out and showed the fans in the stands the reason they were the #1 seed, as the team held the Bruins to over 5 minutes of scoreless basketball. The Hawks countered with transition baskets and put-backs to extend their lead. The Bruins made several runs throughout the second half, but each time they would get close the Hawks would extend their lead. The Hawks shut down Evan Brondyke and Zach Mercado as the two combined for a mere 8 points in the second half. The Bruins shooting woes began to plague them as the team shot 24% from the field in the second half and only scoring 16 second half points. The Hawks capitalized on the Bruin misses to gain a sizeable lead. As the final buzzer sounded, the Bruins season ended in a 66-46 loss to Shorter University.
"We learned what college basketball was all about," Coach Ring said. "Their team came out in the second half and really took it to us. We made them earn this win, and we really limited our mistakes which I was proud of."
Evan Brondyke led the way for the Bruins with 15 points 9 rebounds while Zach Mercado chipped in 13. The Bruins were close in the rebounding margin with Shorter gaining the slight advantage 42-36. Despite finishing the season at 6-24, Coach Ring is proud of the team's growth in this first season. "In the midst of the season our guys never gave up," Coach Ring said. "They came to each practice wanting to work hard and improve. Ultimately, each time they stepped on the court they played with Christ in mind. I am so proud of the way they 'lived Christ' through the way they played this season."
The Bruin players left it all on the court each and every game. More importantly, the team showeda tremendous testimony for Christ as they played for His glory. This team has built a strong foundation both on and off the court that can be followed for years to come.
