Box Score
The Bruins basketball team won their fourth game in a row as the team defeated Johnson University of Florida 77-71 on Saturday afternoon. With the win, the Bruins have now won seven of their last eight games and are a perfect 4-0 in region play.
"We knew it was going to be a tough game but this is what you have to do to win a region or national championship," Bruins Head Coach Burton Uwarow said. "We scheduled teams early on this year that mimic the style of play we face in our region and because of that tough schedule we are reaping success against our region teams. We really had to gut this one out today to come away with a win."
The Suns and Bruins traded baskets in the opening minutes as the score remained close. Dustin Killough knocked down a three and added a layup as the Bruins took a 16-12 lead. The Suns were able to stay within striking distance thanks to the play of Phil LeGrier who scored 13 first half points.
As the first half was coming to a close, Dustin Killough and Matt DeHart each hit a three but LeGrier answered right back for the Suns as the Bruins took a 40-34 lead into the break.
In the second half, the Suns cut into the Bruins' lead as Phil LeGrier hit a three and added a layup. The Bruins answered back as they attacked the rim for points with Jayson Barnhart and Nate Ellenwood scoring in the key as the Bruins led 44-42.
The score remaining close with both teams not allowing the other to run away with the game. After LeGrier hit his fifth three of the game, the Suns led 66-63 with just under five minutes to play. Justin Matthews helped put the Bruins back on top as he scored back to back shots in close to put the Bruins up 69-68. Free throws for both teams would tie the game at 70-70 with just over a minute to play.
The Bruins were looking for a big shot and they found it from Nate Ellenwood as the sophomore crossed over his defender and knocked down a three from the top of the arc to put the Bruins up 73-70. After a defensive stand, Ellenwood made four straight free throws down the stretch as the Bruins held on for a 77-71 win.
"We really buckled down and locked up and played together as a team," Bruins forward Quez Fisher said. Fished finished the game with 14 points and 4 rebounds. "The guys are growing together and trusting each other which has helped us be a cohesive unit."
Nate Ellenwood nearly had a triple double in the game with 18 points, 18 rebounds and 8 assists in the game. Dustin Killough finished with 15 points while Jayson Barnhart had 13. With the win, the Bruins move to 11-10 on the season and are above .500 for the first time this season. Next up, the Bruins will be on the road Tuesday night as they battle Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina.
