Box Score Kyle Turner earned his spot in the record books as the junior captain scored 25 points and snagged 9 rebounds to power the Bruins to a 86-72 win against Piedmont International University on Friday night. Turner becomes the first player in Bruins basketball history to record 1,000 career points.
Kyle Turner's 25 points against PIU Friday night
helpedpropel him over 1,000 career points as a Bruin."It is such an honor to be the first one to a 1,000," Turner said. "It was a lot of fun to celebrate it with my teammates, and the victory makes it that much sweeter."
The Bruins had battled Piedmont International University last week, with the Bruins capturing a slim 90-84 win in Greenville. The Bruins entered Friday's contest with an 8-18 record. PIU was determined to protect their home court as the second round of the battle of the Bruins was about to begin.
Kyle Turner knocked down an early bucket to help the Bruins jump out to an 8-2 lead. The team generated open looks with great penetration into the gaps and passing to the open man. Defensively, the team was able to force several turnovers but Piedmont rode the energy of their home crowd to keep the game close.
Dustin Killough provided the three-point spark for the Bruins at the midway point of the half as he knocked down back to back three's to help the Bruins maintain their lead. JaVon Summers knocked down a bucket for Piedmont just before the buzzer to end the half with BJU up 42-36 over PIU.
"We responded every time they made a run," Coach Ring said. "That helped us stay in the game and I was proud of the way we kept our composure and poise. We got some key defensive stops when we needed them in this game."
In the second half, Piedmont was determined to not let the game slip away as CJ Tyson began to heat up from behind the arc to help PIU climb back into the game. The Bruins remained calm and continued to dominate offensively by driving through the lane and picking up high percentage shots as well as trips to the line.
The Bruins were able to make key baskets and free throws down the stretch and held Piedmont in check during the final moments of the game. As the final buzzer sounded, the Bruins held on for their 2nd straight win with a 86-72 road victory.
"I am proud of our team effort tonight," Coach Ring said. "We made some good plays down the stretch and rebounded very well in this one for a tough road win. I am proud of Kyle as well. He has worked hard to improve his game and tonight was just an example of him trusting his hard work and taking the right shots when his teammates got him the ball."
Kyle Turner led all scorers with 25 points and 9 rebounds. He was one of six Bruins players to score in double figures as Marshall Riddle had 15 points, Chae Dexter had 13 points, Ray Holden with 11 points and Dustin Killough and Corey Turner each finishing with 10. The Bruins shot 56% from the field throughout the game and won the rebounding margin 40-31.
With the win, the team improves to 9-18 on the season. With just two games remaining, the Bruins are looking to build as they prepare for the regional playoffs in a few weeks. Their next two games will be against conference opponent Southern Wesleyan University. The first matchup with the Warriors will take place on Tuesday night in Central, South Carolina.
