Box Score Six different players scored in double figures for Bob Jones University as the Bruins defeated Piedmont International University 99-89 on Friday night in the latest chapter of the battle of the Bruins. "We knew we had the size advantage so we focused on trying to attack the rim and get the ball inside," Coach Neal Ring said. "We felt like we could win the game in the paint and knew we would need to defend well and overall I was pleased with what we did tonight." 

 

The two teams had met earlier this season with BJU coming away with a 80-71 win. The Bruins were coming off a difficult loss to North Greenville University and the team was looking to bounce back as they took the court against Piedmont International University in front of a packed crowd at the Davis Field House.

In the opening minutes, Marshall Riddle provided the spark for the Bruins as the team battled with PIU to take a 14-8 lead. The team was able to find the Turner brothers down low on the block and Corey and Kyle were able to take advantage of the defensive mismatches for points in the paint. The team got an added spark from Justin Matthews, who provided 16 points off the bench for the team in the game. "I just wanted to do whatever I could to help the team," Matthews said. "I don't really feel pressured to score as much but we trust each other to share the ball and get good shots."

At the midway point of the half, PIU went on as run and overtook the Bruins lead to take a 35-25 advantage. After a timeout, the Bruins looked to climb back into the game and strung together several defensive stops to climb back into the game. The team closed out the half on a 10-2 run to take a 47-43 lead into the break.   

In the second half, PIU battled back to tie the game at 49-49 in the opening minutes. From there, the Bruins went back to their game plan offensively and worked the ball inside to Kyle Turner who converted buckets to give BJU the lead. Still, PIU refused to go away as Garrion Blount rallied the team with 28 points to keep the game close. With just over 10 minutes to play, Justin Matthews scored 8 straight points for the team to help the Bruins take a 70-65 lead. Piedmont tried to mount one last run but the Bruins came up with clutch baskets down the stretch to keep and extend the lead as the Bruins held on for a 99-89 victory. 

"We moved the ball well tonight and our guys trusted each other to make shots," Bruins' guard Dustin Killough said. "We know when to shoot and when not to shoot and we're playing selfless in sharing the ball with each other." 

Kyle Turner led the way with 19 points and 12 rebounds while Bruins' guard Shawn Lipscomb nearly had a triple double on the night with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists. Marshall Riddle scored 18, Corey Turner had 13 and Dustin Killough scored 11. The Bruins dominated the rebounding margin 50-28 and the team shot 51% from the floor and 50% from beyond the arc in the win. With the win, the Bruins improve to 11-8 on the season. Next up, the Bruins battle Toccoa Falls College on Tuesday night.