Box Score
The Bruins welcomed the Warren Wilson College Owls on Friday night to Greenville. The two teams met a few weeks ago with the Bruins coming up short in a 74-64 loss in Asheville. Since then, the Bruins rebounded by winning back to back games over Southern Wesleyan and Piedmont International. The team had a game postponed earlier in the week due to snow, but was ready to take the court in front of the Bruin faithful on Friday night. 

In the early stages of the game, the Bruins used a 9-0 run to jump out to an early lead. The team pushed the tempo of the game and was able to find open looks to get baskets. Darnel Antoine provided the boost for the Bruins with 9 points in the first half as the team built their lead to 28-13. Zach Mercado was on fire in the first half from beyond the arc with 13 points while shooting 3-6 from three-point range. In the closing minute, the Owls worked the lead down to single digits 34-25 at the break. 

"We really saw last game against them how we could push the ball and that helped us get a lead early," Coach Ring said. "I was really proud of the way we were able to move the basketball and attack inside." 

In the second half, the Owls continued their run to further cut into the Bruins lead. Eventually the team cut it to four points before Evan Brondyke knocked down a key three pointer to help build the lead back up. Larry Taylor was limited to just 2 points in the first half, but responded in a big way in the second half by scoring 15 points. "They are a good scouting team and really took away a lot of what we like to do," Bruins guard Larry Taylor said. 

With just over 7 minutes remaining, Owls guard Ty Johnson picked up his fifth foul. The Owls refused to give in and came charging back to cut the lead to 59-52. From there, the Bruins hit back to back three's from Evan Brondyke and Zach Mercado to increase their lead to 13 points. "We're in a better rhythm offensively," Zach Mercado said. "I was able to get into a rhythm and shoot in stride and felt good from there." Despite the Owls effort, Bruins never looked back as they held on to win their third straight game 76-65.

"Our guys did a good job with overcoming a lot this week," Coach Ring said. "We need to keep building on this and keep the momentum from this week and keep going. It is our first three-game winning streak and we beat a really good team tonight."

Zach Mercado led the way for the Bruins with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Larry Taylor added 17 points and 8 assists and Darnel Antoine scored 11. The Bruins outrebounded Warren Wilson 39-21 and were able to shoot 45% from the floor and 42% from three-point range. With the win, the Bruins are back to .500 on the season at 13-13. The team will have a tough three games coming up  this next week and will play the first of those games on Tuesday night on the road against Southern Wesleyan University.