Box Score
It was a disappointing end to the 2016-17 season for the Lady Bruins basketball team as they fell to #6 seeded Pensacola Christian College 73-62 in the consolation round of the NCCAA DII National Tournament.
"Consolation games are always hard to get ready for but it was another opportunity for us to play and compete," Bruins Head Coach Mike LeViere said. "I didn't feel like we played a bad game, but PCC just was on fire in the first half and we just let them get too far ahead to be able to recover."
The Bruins came into the game on the heels of a tough loss on Thursday evening as they fell to #5 seeded Maranatha Baptist University, officially ending their chances at a national championship. Still, the Bruins were determined to close out their season strong as they welcomed a familiar opponent for their final game of the season. The Eagles and Bruins had met three times already this season, with the Bruins winning two of the three games.
From the opening tip, the Eagles came out strong as they jumped out to an 8-3 lead. The team was deadly from beyond the arc as Jessica Boyd and company continued to find their stroke from three-point range. Rachel Clark helped the Bruins claw their way back into the game as she drove through the lane for points to cut into the lead. But the shooting continued to be dominant for the Eagles as they held a 24-16 lead at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Bruins came out with back to back baskets as Kylee Leffew and Rachel Clark scored to bridge the gap. The Eagles responded with another offensive run as they continued to knock down shots from the outside to increase their lead to 41-26. The Bruins tried to respond but the shots wouldn't fall and the Eagles took advantage by pushing the ball ahead for points. As the halftime buzzer rang, the Bruins knew they had some ground to make up as they trailed 48-30 at the break.
The Eagles picked up where they left off to begin the second half as they scored back to back baskets to increase their lead. Hannah Tompkins knocked down a three-point shot to help spark a rally as the Bruins trailed 52-43. The Eagles again responded with a 7-0 run to stretch the lead to double digits. From there, the Bruins tried to recover but the Eagles answered with each possession as the 3rd quarter ended with PCC leading 60-49.
With just one quarter remaining, the Bruins were still within striking distance of a comeback. But Jessica Boyd quickly silenced those hopes as she knocked down a three to put the Eagles up 62-49. Despite their efforts, the Bruins couldn't climb back into the game as the Eagles held on for a 73-62 win.
"We were disappointed in how we competed here at the national tournament," Coach LeViere said. "We told our players to remember that we have a banner that will forever remind everyone of what they accomplished this year. We aren't going to walk out with our heads low. If you look at us at the beginning of the year until now we have a lot to be proud of."
Kylee Leffew led the team with 20 points and 6 rebounds in the game. Sarah Thomsen scored 18 points and 7 rebounds while Sha'Ron Brunson added 11 points. The Lady Bruins end the 2016-17 season at 16-19, but the team made history this season by capturing their first NCCAA DII South Region Championship. With many young players on the roster, the Lady Bruins will look to be back in the national tournament again next season!
