Box Score
The Bruins were back home on Friday night after a three-game road trip in Florida this past week. Their opponent would be rival Pensacola Christian College. The Bruins and Eagles met twice in the inaugural season for the Bruins, with the Eagles capturing both games. The Bruins have drastically improved in their second season of competition, already eclipsing their win total from last season. The Eagles have had struggles in recent weeks as PCC is in the midst of a four-game losing streak. The Bruin-faithful packed the Davis Field House for the showdown between these rival schools. 

From the beginning of the game the forecast was clear; it would be raining three's throughout the game as the Bruins and Eagles combined for 12 three point field goals in the first half. The two teams battled throughout the opening minutes, with the Eagles using their size to execute screens and free up their wings for shots. The Bruins countered with the impressive play of Larry Taylor, who sliced through the Eagles defense on the way to buckets for the Bruins. With just over five minutes remaining in the half, the Bruins and Eagles were locked 20-20. 

As the half continued, the Bruins slowly crept ahead by getting to the line and making free throws. With less than a minute remaining, the Bruins clung to a 36-34 advantage. In the ensuing Eagles possession, Darnel Antoine made a great steal and found Zach Mercado who was fouled with less than a second to go. After making both free throws the Bruins went into the break ahead 38-34.

"We knew we were going to have to deal with their size," Coach Ring said. "We felt like our back court could do well and make some plays for us and they did a good job creating opportunities for us. We knew that Pensacola was a good second half team." 

In the second half, the Eagles came out strong in the opening minutes by continuing to be lights out from three point range. PCC shot over 50% from three point range and Dylan Crane went 8-9 including 5-5 from beyond the arc. Despite the red-hot shooting, the Bruins kept the game close by attacking the basket. The two teams battled back and forth trading baskets and the lead throughout the midway point of the half. 

With less than a minute remaining, the Bruins snagged the rebound and took a timeout trailing 71-69. In the huddle, the Bruins drew up a play to go tie the game back up. Larry Taylor took the ball at the top of the key and got the ball inside to Kyle Turner who found Zach Mercado for an open look from three. The shot hit the back iron and was rebounded by Kirtis Yurchak who shot the ball from just inside the free throw line as time expired. The shot bounced off the rim and handed the Bruins a tough 71-69 loss.

"We take the loss as a team," Bruins guard Larry Taylor said. "Everyone on the team will tell you they could have done something better." Taylor led the Bruins with 30 points while shooting 10-14 from the floor and 7-8 from the free throw line. Kyle Turner chipped in 11 points for the Bruins and Zach Mercado had 10. 

"You win some and you lose some. We felt like they came in and stole one from us tonight," Coach Ring said. "I felt like this is one we should have had, but overall we have to defend better."

With the loss, the Bruins fall to 8-11 on the season. The team will look to get back on track as they travel to Charlotte, North Carolina on Tuesday night for a matchup with Johnson and Wales University.