Box Score
Amanda Bates provided a dominant presence in the post for the Bruins as the freshman forward scored 13 points and snagged 20 rebounds to lead the team to a 58-57 win over the Washington Adventist University Shock on Tuesday night in Greenville, South Carolina.
"Coming into the season I made it my goal to really focus on rebounds," Bates said. "That clearly showed tonight. I wanted to work hard and just do my best."
The Bruins came into the game in the midst of a 3-game home stand to begin the 2016-17 season having split their first two games 1-1. The Shock came into the game with an 0-3 record, with their last two games coming all the way down to the wire for close losses. Both teams took the court in what would prove to be a fierce battle to the end.
Washington Adventist used back to back three-point shots to jump out to a 6-0 lead in the opening minutes. The Bruins came charging back with a 9-0 run of their own as they retook the lead. Both teams then settled into an offensive groove with each trading baskets on possessions as the score remained close. The Shock closed out the quarter strong as the Bruins led 14-13 at the end of the first.
In the second quarter, the Shock again came out with the early run to take the lead. The Bruins stayed in the game behind the shooting of Sydney Bedsaul and the penetrating presence of Bhrianna Jackson as they battled back to tie the game. But the Shock again closed out the quarter strong to take a 36-30 lead into the break.
"At halftime coach really told us to get the ball into the post," Bruins guard Hannah Tompkins said. "We knew we could make the defense collapse which helps our offense get going. Once Amanda gets on a roll and Brianna gets on a roll it's a beautiful thing to see so we like to get the ball down to them."
The Bruins began to feed the post more offensively in the second half which translated into points around the rim and trips to the free throw line. Defensively, the Bruins began to force the Shock into tough looks from the field. Still, WAU had the lead but this time the Bruins closed out the quarter strong as the Shock held a 49-44 lead going into the final quarter.
With one quarter to go, the Bruins came out confident and it showed as the Amanda Bates and Brianna Delaney worked in the post to free up outside shooters and chip into the Shock lead. Bates continued to carry the offensive load as she scored several buckets to help the Bruins battle back to take the lead with just over five minutes to play.
As the clock continued to wind down, the score remained close with the Bruins having the slight edge 57-54. Emily Piazza then knocked down a three-point shot for the Shock as the game was tied 57-57 with a minute to play. Thanks to a strong defensive stand, the Bruins had one last chance to score before the end of the game. After a missed layup opportunity, Sydney Bedsaul snagged the offensive rebound and was fouled trying to score with just 4 seconds remaining. Bedsaul calmly made one of two free throws and the Shock couldn't convert on the desperation attempt as the Bruins held on for the 58-57 win.
"This was a good early season game for us," Bruins Head Coach Mike LeViere said. "We did a lot of little things right and although we have some things to improve on, when it mattered tonight we did several things to help us get the win."
Bates double double was key to the Bruins success as she helped the team outrebound Washington Adventist 45-35 in the game. Hannah Tompkins scored 13 points on the night while shooting 44% from the floor. With the win, the Bruins improve to 2-1 on the season.
Next up, the Bruins will be on the road this weekend for back to back games in Florida. The team will play against Warner University in Lake Wales, Florida on Friday night.
