Box Score The Lady Bruins overcame tough defensive pressure and tempo to come away with a 74-69 victory over the Florida College Falcons on Saturday afternoon in Temple Terrace, Florida. "It really was a great team effort for us," Coach Mike LeViere said. "We had to keep shuffling people in and out because of the fast-paced game and each player did a great job."
The Bruins were coming off a dominant 95-52 victory on Thursday evening and were looking to pickup another road win as they battled Florida College. In the opening minutes, both teams struggled to score as each tried to get into an offensive rhythm. Maggi Ford knocked down a three to put the Bruins on the board and the team did a great job of slowing down the fast-paced offensive of the Falcons. Kendra Jeffcott, Bridgette Gleed and Brianna Delaney provided the post play for the Bruins and helped to secure rebounds and push the ball in transition. After one, the score remained low as the Bruins led the Falcons 9-8.
In the second quarter, both teams came out looking to gain the advantage but the play was much of the same as both teams stayed in the game. Both teams shook off their first quarter struggles as baskets came more regularly for each team. Maggi Ford found the hot hand for the Bruins with several shots from the outside while the Falcons countered with up tempo play to knock down open looks. At the half, the Falcons took a 33-29 lead into the break.
As the second half began, the Lady Bruins took their halftime adjustments and came out strong. Sha'Ron Brunson provided a spark for the Bruins with some clutch shooting while Kendra Jeffcott was able to penetrate through the defense for points. Still, the Falcons used their up-tempo play to go on a 20-4 run and closed out the quarter with a 55-46 lead.
The Bruins refused to give up and came charging back in the final quarter thanks to the shooting of Maggi Ford, who finished with 24 points on the night for the team. With just over 3 minutes left in the game, the Bruins had fought all the way back to tie. Down the stretch the Bruins relied on clutch free throw shooting as the team closed out the game shooting 13-14 as the team battled back to win the game 74-69.
"A win you have to work that hard for really means something," Coach LeViere said. "The team should be very proud of themselves for this effort."
Maggi Ford led the way for the Bruins with 24 points and Sha'Ron Brunson scored 14. Kendra Jeffcott finished with 10 points, 8 rebounds and 5 steals as the Bruins improved to 10-8 on the season. Next up, the team will host Pensacola Christian College next Friday night.
