Box Score
The Bruins allowed 64 points from three Knights players en route to a 74-64 loss to Kentucky Christian University on Saturday evening. "We wanted to make sure they didn't get a lot of open opportunities," Coach Neal Ring said. "We wanted to try to crowd them on their shots and not give them open looks. We just have to do a better job of executing on the offensive end."

 

The Bruins and Knights were meeting for the first time in program history as the two teams played in the final day of the Century BMW Bruins Invitational. The Bruins were 3-2 entering Saturday's contest while the Knights were 0-4.

In the opening minutes, the Bruins used a 7-0 run to jump out to an early lead. The team was moving the ball well and playing great defense to limit opportunities for the Knights. Slowly, Kentucky Christian started to creep back into the game behind the great post play of Ace Puckett who scored 10 points for the Knights in the first half.

The Bruins struggled to score at the midway point of the half as the team shot just 31% from the field in the half. Despite their shooting struggles, the Bruins continued to keep the lead. A big three late in the half by Marshall Riddle gave the team a slim 25-22 lead at the break.

"We are still getting used to the speed of the game and our guys are getting used to what we are asking them to do," Coach Ring said. "We need to continue to work and get better on the offensive glass."

In the second half, the Bruins got strong play from freshman Marshall Riddle as the guard sliced through the lane for points."The last couple of games I have had the ball in my hands a little more and I have been able to get to the rim," Marshall Riddle said. "That allows me to get to the line a lot more which helps."

The Bruins struggled in the second half with turnovers as the team gave away several chances. Kentucky Christian seized the opportunity as Tyler Farley scored 21 second-half points and was nearly unstoppable throughout the half. After a three by Farley at the halfway point of the half, the Knights took a 53-46 lead over BJU. The Bruins tried to climb their way back into the game as Corey Turner scored six straight points for the team in the second half.

In the end, the hot shooting by Farley and the Knights proved to be enough as KCU handed the Bruins their first home loss of the season 74-64.

"We're 3-3 which for this team is right where we need to be," Coach Ring said. "It is game six and we have a long season ahead of us. A few bounces here or there and we probably are looking at a better record but we have to be ready for a tough game coming up Tuesday. We'll just keep getting better."

Marshall Riddle had 21 points for the Bruins on the night while Corey Turner added 16. Kyle Turner chipped in 13 points but the Bruins costly 18 turnovers translated into points for KCU. With the loss, the Bruins drop back to .500 at 3-3. Next up, the team begins a four-game road trip beginning on Tuesday night at Emmanuel College.