Box Score The Lady Bruins struggled offensively as the team shot just 28% overall and dropped their third straight in a 96-46 loss to the University of South Carolina Upstate on Tuesday night. "I was happy overall with our effort and the way we competed," Coach Mike LeViere said. "Obviously we were a bit overmatched and there is always room for improvement. We will take what positives we can away from this and move on."
The Bruins came into the game with a 4-3 record having lost back-to-back tough matches at home. The Spartans entered the game at 1-1 and were ready to play in front of their hometown fans in the Hodge Center.
The Bruins and Spartans traded baskets to open up the game as the two teams remained close. After a three-point shot by Hannah Tompkins, the Bruins took a 10-8 advantage. The Spartans responded with a 12-2 run and closed out the first quarter up 24-16.
In the second quarter, the Spartans continued to take advantage of the Bruins missed opportunities to transition for points. Hannah Tompkins knocked down a three to bring it back to 32-21, but the Spartans continued to increase their lead as they went up 50-30 at the half.
As the second half began, the Bruins were looking to get back into the game. The Spartans wouldn't allow it as they started the quarter on an 18-0 run to continue to increase their lead. In the fourth quarter, the Spartans continued to pressure the Bruins and increased their lead. When the dust settled, the Spartans ran away with a 96-46 victory.
"We let their pressure get to us and we struggled offensively," Coach LeViere said. "We turned the ball over too many times and just didn't finish well in our opportunities"
Bhrianna Jackson led the Bruins with 13 points, but she was the only Bruin in double-figures on the night. The team committed 27 turnovers which translated into 30 points for the Spartans. With the loss, the Bruins fall to 4-4 on the season. Next up, the Bruins will play back-to-back games at home on Thursday and Friday night. The team will welcome Johnson University on Thursday night to Greenville at 7 p.m.
