Box Score The Lady Bruins basketball team is firing on all cylinders as the team picked up another win on Saturday evening with a 79-66 victory over Clearwater Christian College. "Overall this was a great road trip for us," Coach Mike LeViere said as the team went 3-0 in their Florida road trip. "We've been playing great team basketball and now we just have to stay focused on continuing that."
The Bruins entered the game with a 6-10 record after back to back wins over the University of Valley Forge and Mid Atlantic Christian University. Clearwater Christian College has struggled this season as the team had a 2-11 record as they took the court in the final day of the Johnson University of Florida Invitational.
As the game began, the Bruins offensive strategy was simple: get the ball inside to Brianna Delaney. The Bruins junior forward had a strong presence inside for the team and really contributed on the post and in the rebounding category. The inside focused opened up opportunities outside for Hannah Tompkins and Maggi Ford, who knocked down outside looks. Despite the high-powered offense, the Cougars were able to keep the game close as the Bruins had a 33-22 lead at the half.
"Several of our players stepped up for us in this game," Coach LeViere said. "Our outside shots were falling and our rebounding was strong. That is a testament to the good hustle we were showing throughout the game."
In the second half, the Bruins came out strong as they took advantage of their opportunities to outscore the Cougars 31-17 in the first ten minutes of the half to take a commanding 64-39 lead. With the game in hand, the Bruins were able to rest some of their starters. The Cougars took advantage and began to claw their way back into the game but it was too little too late as the Bruins held on for their 4th straight win 79-66.
"I was really happy with how we played today," Coach LeViere said. "Disappointed that we took our foot off the accelerator and let them back into it a little but overall this was another good game for us. We'll need to be ready for a very good Pensacola team coming up next week. We'll need Bruin nation to come out big on Friday and cheer us on!"
Hannah Tompkins led the Bruins with 23 points, 5 assists and 3 steals. Kendra Jeffcott chipped in with 13 points and 8 rebounds. With the win, the Bruins improve to 7-10 on the season. The team will return home for a much-anticipated home stretch in which the team will play their next 8 games at home. Next up, the Bruins will welcome Pensacola Christian College on Friday night.
