After a highly competitive first half, the BJU Bruins came up short in the second half as they fell to the Spartanburg Methodist College Pioneers 91-77 in the opening exhibition of the 2017-18 season.
"Coaches don't usually schedule a scrimmage this early in the season but I wanted to find out early what we need to work on," Bruins Head Coach Burton Uwarow said. "We've had just over a week of practice and we now have over two weeks to prepare for our first game."
The Pioneers jumped out to a quick 21-10 lead early in the first half but the BJU Bruins were able to answer. After a timeout, the Bruins went on a 24-10 run to take the lead back 34-31, fueled by nine first half points from Jayson Barnhart. At the half, the Bruins trailed 46-40.
In the second half, the Pioneers took control of the game as they built a sizeable lead. The Bruins were able to chip away at the deficit as four players scored in double figures. The Pioneers didn't let up as they pulled away to win 91-77. Turnovers haunted the Bruins all night long as they finished with a team total of 16.
"This was our first step towards finding our identity as a team and figuring out who we will be this year," Coach Uwarow said.
Justin Matthews led the way with 19 points while Nate Ellenwood scored 15 and Jayson Barnhart finished had 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. The team will play their final preseason game on October 20 as the team welcomes Clinton College to the Davis Field House.
