Box Score
The Bob Jones University Bruins began the 2016-17 season on the road on Friday night as the team fell to Asbury College 102-95 in Pikeville, Kentucky. "Not sure how we only lost by seven after committing the turnovers we did and missing so many chances from the free throw line," Head Coach Neal Ring said.
The Bruins entered the season after splitting their preseason exhibitions 1-1 with a loss to Spartanburg Methodist College and a win over USC Salkehatchie. The team traveled to Kentucky for back to back road games in the UPIKE Classic Tournament hosted by the University of Pikeville.
Marshall Riddle knocked down back to back three point shots for the Bruins to open the game, but the Eagles stayed close as both teams couldn't stretch the lead. Justin Matthews sparked the Bruins to an 8-0 run as the junior guard knocked down open looks and drove through the lane for points. The Eagles began to chip away at the lead and eventually tied the game 21-21. From there, neither team was able to go on a serious run as both teams remained neck and neck throughout the remainder of the half.
With under two minutes remaining, the Bruins carried a slim lead but Eagles forward Daulton Peters knocked down a three just before the half expired as the Bruins went into the break up 54-53.
In the second half, the Bruins came out confident as they looked to stretch the lead. Again they relied on the scoring touch of Justin Matthews who knocked down back to back three's as the team used a 10-2 run to open the half and take a 64-55 lead. But as quickly as they built the lead, it suddenly disappeared as the Eagles responded with a run of their own to come back and tie the game 66-66. With momentum, the Eagles continued to overtake the Bruins as they went on a 24-5 run to take a double digit lead.
The Bruins clawed their way back into the game, but each run was met by a basket by the Eagles as BJU couldn't seem to retake the lead. With just over three minutes remaining, Justin Matthews knocked down his 5th three point shot of the contest to cut the deficit to 91-89. But the Eagles refused to give in as the team continued to make key baskets down the stretch. Time eventually ran out for the Bruins comeback as the Eagles held on for a 102-95 victory.
"There was a point in the second half where we were down and could have folded. I was really proud of our guys for putting together a run on both ends to stay in the game," Coach Ring said. "We're playing hard teams on purpose and tomorrow will be another tough challenge for us."
Justin Matthews led the Bruins with 30 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists on the night. Marshall Riddle chipped in 25 points while Dustin Killough added 15. The Bruins shot 47% from the field, but the team also committed 35 turnovers which translated to 23 Asbury points.
Next up, the Bruins will face the University of Pikeville on Saturday evening at 4 p.m.
