Box Score
Marshall Riddle powered the Bruins with 31 points as the team set a new program record for most points scored with a 107-94 victory over Warren Wilson College. "It was really about slowing the game down for us and not rushing," Riddle said. "Our coaches did a great job in preparing us for this game and in telling us what to expect. We knew we needed to be strong with the ball and after they got into foul trouble which we took advantage of in getting to the line throughout the game."

 

The Bruins came into the game with added motivation having dropped the previous game against Warren Wilson College in a 108-104 overtime loss in which the Bruins had led by 25 points at the half. The team also had a tough loss on Tuesday night after dropping a game to Toccoa Falls 90-85. The team was looking to bounce back, but knew they would be in for a tough test as they welcomed the Owls who were riding a five-game winning streak. The Bruins were looking to even the score as both teams took the court in the Davis Field House. 

Ray Holden knocked down a three to open the scoring for the Bruins as the teams were off and running in the early minutes. Despite playing a full court press, the Owls had difficulty slowing the Bruins down offensively as the team was able to move the ball up the floor and find open shots. The Owls stayed in the game behind the hot shooting of Justin Gonyea, who finished with 17 points in the first half as the Owls and Bruins remained close. The two teams played a physical game and the fouls reflected that play as both teams were called early and often for fouls. 

At the midway point of the half, Marshall Riddle sparked an 11-0 run by the Bruins as the team took a 29-18 lead. The Bruins continued to ride the momentum and closed out the half strong to take a 55-42 lead into the break. 

"We wanted to stop the ball and keep them in front of us defensively," Bruins' guard Justin Matthews said. "We knew they wanted to speed us up and make us shoot quick so we knew we needed to stay calm and not speed up our game." 

In the second half, the Bruins relied on their attack-the-rim offensive strategy which continued to force the Owls into tough defensive positions and fouls. The Bruins made adjustments defensively and forced several turnovers to feed their offense. Marshall Riddle continued to be a dominant force offensively for the Bruins, knocking down several shots from the outside and gaining trips to the free throw line. The team also got an added boost from Noah Smith, Corey Turner and Kirtis Yurchak off the bench as the trio combined for 36 points. 

After a three-point bomb by Marshal Riddle, the Bruins took a 92-71 lead, their largest of the contest with just seven minutes remaining. Despite a late run by the Owls, the Bruins continued to attack the rim and made key shots and free throws down the stretch to hang on for a 107-94 win. 

"We showed a lot of poise and a lot of good leadership tonight," Coach Ring said. "I don't think anyone on our team didn't think we were going to win this game tonight. Our mindset coming in was that we were going to work through this and overcome the adversity that we had. We started with confidence right from the start and had good communication in the game. I was really proud of the way the guys stayed with it and didn't let the defensive pressure bother them." 

Marshall Riddle led the way with 31 point while shooting 16-19 from the free throw line including making 15 straight in the 2nd half. Riddle was one of six Bruins scoring as Noah Smith (13), Justin Matthews (12), Corey Turner (12), Kirtis Yurchak (11) and Ray Holden (11) each had impact games for the team. The 107 total points was the most by the Bruins in their program history while the team also set a new benchmark for free throws as the team made 41-61 throughout the game.

With the win, the Bruins improve to 12-9 on the season. Next up, the team will be on the road as they battle Piedmont College on Saturday afternoon.