Box Score
The Bruins remained undefeated at home behind 16 points from both Noah Smith and Marshall Riddle to defeat Johnson University 65-58 on Friday night in Greenville. The Bruins were able to overcome a late charge by the Royals to escape with the win. The team would be without Dustin Killough for the game, as the freshman was out with an ankle injury. This would be the first of the two-game home stand for the team as they welcomed Kentucky Christian University, Columbia International University and Johnson University for the Century BMW Bruin Invitational.

 

In the opening minutes, the Bruins used an 8-0 run to jump out to an early lead. The team played suffocating defense and forced several turnovers on the Royals in the opening minutes as the team held the Royals scoreless for the first five minutes of play.

At the midway point of the half, a layup on the baseline by Marshall Riddle extended the Bruins lead 16-7. From there, the Royals used a run of their own to claw their way back into the game and eventually take the lead 20-19. The lead wouldn't last long as Noah Smith buried a three-point shot to give the Bruins the lead. The Royals refused to quit and came all the way back at the end of the half to be down to BJU29-28 at the break.

"We played some of the best defense we have ever played in the first part of the half," Coach Ring said. "Then we got into some foul trouble and had to go with some lineups that weren't necessarily used to playing together. We just have to be consistent and play the same way every time.

In the second half, the Bruins jumped out of the gate again with a 9-1 run to extend their lead. The team rode the slick shooting of Noah Smith, who knocked down several three-pointers throughout the game to keep the Bruins ahead. Freshman Marshall Riddle had another strong performance as he slashed through the lane for baskets.

After the Bruins had built a double-digit lead, the Royals came storming back behind the play of Sean Finneran to cut the lead to 54-53. On the next possession, Bruins captain Ray Holden buried a clutch three to give the Bruins some breathing room. The Royals would counter with a three from Gunner St. John to bring it back to a one-point game. The Bruins then got another huge basket from Marshall Riddle to give them a 60-56 lead.

From there, the Bruins used great free-throw shooting and a couple of key offensive rebounds to hold on for a 65-58 victory over Johnson University.

"We finished well," Coach Neal Ring said. "Our captains stepped up late in the game for us and we relied on their experience for this win. We are getting some recovery tonight and we know tomorrow is going to be another tough test for us."

Noah Smith and Marshall Riddle each had 16 points for the Bruins while Ray Holden had 10. Kyle and Corey Turner combined for 14 rebounds on the night for the team. With the win, the Bruins improve to 3-2 on the season. Next up, the team will welcome Kentucky Christian University on Saturday afternoon.