Box Score
Despite trailing at the half, the Bruins came roaring back to capture their first conference win of the season with an 80-68 victory over Columbia International University on Tuesday night. "We responded well and came out on a mission," Bruins' coach Neal Ring said. "Overall I was pleased with the win tonight and how our guys continued to battle." 

The Bruins came into the game with a 13-10 record, having dropped a tough game on the road to Piedmont College on Saturday evening. The Rams came into Tuesday's game with a 5-14 record but were hoping to get back on track as they took the court in front of their hometown fans. The two teams were ready for the next chapter of the battle for South Carolina as they took the floor. 

In the opening minutes, the Rams rode the energy of their hometown fans to build a quick lead. The Bruins responded as Noah Smith knocked down back to back three point shots to get the Bruins right back into the game. The teams remained close as they traded baskets and possessions with neither able to mount a big run. The Bruins rode the outside shooting touch of Kyle Turner, Marshall Riddle and Dustin Killough as the team shot an impressive 46% from three point range throughout the half. Still, the Bruins couldn't seem to gain a large lead as each basket was met by a basket for the Rams. In the final 2 minutes of the half, the Rams went on a 6-0 run to close out the half up 44-38. 

The Bruins came out in the second half determined to play better defensively and take advantage of their opportunities on offense as the team recorded back to back baskets to jump right back into the game. Justin Matthews provided the offensive spark as he made a great steal defensively and rocked the rim with a tomahawk dunk to spark the Bruins offense to make a run. Kyle Turner completely the comeback with just over 9 minutes to go in the game as he knocked down a jumper to give the Bruins a 59-57 lead. The team continued to ride their offensive momentum to slowly build their lead. 

The Bruins were able to work the lead up to double digits behind clutch free throw shooting down the stretch. Still, the Rams refused to go away as the team mounted a late game comeback, but it wasn't enough as the Bruins held on for an 80-68 victory on the road. 

"It was a huge difference defensively in the 2nd half for us," Coach Ring said. "I thought the guys responded well in dealing with their press and in coming out ready to play in the second half. This game helps us put ourselves in the best position possible for the regional playoffs and we know we have to take care of these opportunities."

Marshall Riddle led the Bruins with 17 points and Dustin Killough had 16. Kyle Turner turned in a double double for the night with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Justin Matthews seemed to be everywhere for the Bruins as he scored 8 points, snagged 10 rebounds, dished out 6 assists and recorded 3 steals in the game. With the win, the Bruins improve to 14-10 on the season. Next up, the team will welcome Life University on Saturday afternoon.