Box Score
The Bruins welcomed the Hiwassee College Tigers on Tuesday night for their final game of the regular season. The Bruins came into the game having won back-to-back games over Johnson and Wales and Piedmont International. The group had a lot on the line as a win would secure the first winning season in program history. The Bruins and Tigers met twice in the 2012 season with the teams splitting the wins. This would be the final game for three Bruin seniors as Zach Mercado, Evan Brondyke and Jason McVey all started for the Bruins in front of a packed crowd in the Davis Field House. 

Despite the excitement of the crowd, it was the Tigers who jumped out to an early lead behind back to back three pointers en route to a 21-9 lead over BJU. The Bruins called a timeout and made several adjustments. Kyle Turner powered the Bruins back into the game with 10 first half points while shooting 4-5 from the floor. After a big three from Ray Holden, the Bruins tied it back up at 26-26. The team rode the energy of the crowd to take a 34-32 lead into the half.

"We didn't want them to get as comfortable as they did early on," Coach Ring said. "It was a matter of us making some defensive adjustments and our shots on offense started to fall. We started to get in the rhythm and this team feeds off of each other when they start getting comfortable and knocking down shots." 

In the second half, the Bruins and Tigers knew it would be a battle as the teams went back and forth exchanging baskets in the opening minutes. The Bruins then went on an offensive run and were able to stretch the lead behind slick shooting on offense. The team got a significant boost from Ray Holden and Kirtis Yurchak off the bench. "It was a team effort tonight," Bruins' senior guard Jason McVey said. "When we are looking for each other and getting assists that is when we play well on offense." 

The team stretched their lead to double digits as they played suffocating defense and were able to heat up on the offensive end in knocking down shots. "It took me a couple shots to get in rhythm," Bruins' guard Zach Mercado said. "I had to focus on slowing down a little bit which helped and their defense running out to guard the three opened up lanes for me to drive it to the bucket or dish it off." 

Down the stretch, the Bruins were able to play great defense and take advantage of every offensive possession as the team won their final game 69-57. 

"It's kind of a bittersweet thing," Bruins' senior guard Evan Brondyke said of his final home game. "When you get into the moment you try to feed off of it to play better and focus more. The environment on the home floor and the support we get from the fans is an amazing experience. I know we are going to miss that a lot."

The Bruins secured the program's first winning season with a 16-14 record. At the conclusion of the game, the Bruins honored their three seniors. "These guys put us in a position to be successful," Coach Ring said. "They put up with me for two years and did whatever we asked them to do. They came out of last year with a lot of encouragement and enthusiasm and worked hard to improve each day. They helped to build this program."

Larry Taylor and Kyle Turner each had 18 points while Zach Mercado chipped in 12. With the win, the Bruins finish their regular season at 16-14. The team will have some time to rest as the remainder of the teams in the NCCAA South region finish their seasons. The Bruins will be playing in the NCCAA DI South Regional Tournament at Southern Wesleyan University coming up in a few weeks. 

Stay tuned to www.bjubruins.com for the latest information about the regional tournament.