Box Score
The Bruins kept the game within reach throughout, but a late run by the University of North Georgia sealed the deal as the Bruins fell to the Nighthawks 93-64 on Tuesday night in Dahlonega, Georgia.
"I was proud of how our guys responded tonight in playing from behind," Bruins Coach Neal Ring said. "We played pretty well in the first 12 minutes of each half, but we couldn't finish either like we wanted to."
The Bruins came into the game after suffering two tough losses at home to Piedmont International University and Columbia International University this past weekend. The team was determined to try to get back on track as they took the court in Memorial Hall. The Bruins were hoping history would repeat itself as the team had upset UNG last season in Greenville 85-69.
Marshall Riddle helped the Bruins jump out to a quick lead as the junior knocked down back to back threes. Early on, the Bruins kept the advantage as Quez Fisher went to work in the post and Riddle continued to knock down open looks. The Nighthawks worked their way back into the game as Tyler Dominy sparked a 10-0 run for UNG as they retook the lead. The Bruins came charging back to stay within striking distance. But the Nighthawks closed out the half on fire as they rode the energy of their hometown crowd to build a 49-29 lead at the break.
In the second half, the Bruins came out strong again as Justin Matthews fueled the offense early on to help the team chip away at the deficit. The Bruins worked the score to within 8 as the team continued to mount an offensive run. But the Nighthawks responded with a run of their own to again build the lead to double digits. The Bruins made one last run to try to get back into the game, but the Nighthawks wouldn't allow it as they again closed out the remaining minutes of the half strong to finish with a 93-64 win.
"Our guys showed some grit in this game," Coach Ring said. "We credit UNG as they responded well in the final 8 minutes to put the game out of reach for us."
Marshall Riddle led the Bruins with 22 points on the night while Quez Fisher finished with 8 points and 12 rebounds. Corey Turner was the only other Bruin in double figures for points with 10 as the Bruins shot 39% from the field throughout the game. With the loss, the Bruins fall to 1-6 on the season and have now lost three straight.
Next up, the team will face North Greenville University in Tigerville, South Carolina on Thursday night.
