Box Score
The Bruins dropped their fourth straight on Thursday night as they team fell to North Greenville University in a 79-67 loss in Tigerville, South Carolina. "We showed improvement on the road against a quality opponent," Bruins Head Coach Neal Ring said. "I loved our game plan, but we just didn't make enough shots."
The team knew they would be in for a tough contest against NGU as the team would be without forwards Tre Tipton and Quez Fisher who were out with injury. Still, the Bruins were determined to battle and put forth a valiant effort against the Crusaders.
In the opening minutes, the two teams traded baskets and the lead as the score remained close. The Crusaders then used a 10-2 run to gain the upper hand as Justin Dotson knocked down back to back baskets. The Bruins tried to counter, but the shots weren't falling as the Crusaders continued to stretch their lead. Dustin Killough knocked down a three to spark a Bruins rally late in the half as the team went on a 11-0 run to cut the lead to 40-32. The Crusaders took momentum into the half as Tyland Crawford drained a three-point shot with little time remaining to give NGU a 43-32 lead at the break.
As the second half began, the Bruins tried to narrow the gap but each basket was met by a Crusaders basket as the team couldn't gain ground. Still, the Bruins refused to let up and played good defense in forcing the Crusaders to take contested shots. Justin Matthews banked home a layup at the midway point of the half which cut the lead to 61-47. The Crusaders then got hot from the outside as DJ Brooks hit back to back threes to stretch the NGU lead. Despite their efforts, the Bruins couldn't sustain a run to cut into the lead as the Crusaders held on for a 79-67 win.
"I am proud of our guys and the effort they gave tonight," Coach Ring said.
Dustin Killough led the Bruins with 16 points and was one of four Bruins to score in double figures. Justin Matthews and Corey Turner each finished with 11 points while Marshall Riddle added 13. The team shot 35% from the floor throughout the game, including shooting 31% from three. With the loss, the Bruins fall to 1-7 on the season. Next up, the team will welcome Toccoa Falls College for a region matchup on Monday night.
