Box Score
Dustin Killough hit a three point shot with under a minute to play to help the Bruins remain unbeaten in the South Region as the team defeated Johnson University of Florida 71-69 in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday afternoon. With the win, the Bruins have won two of their last three games and sit at 6-9 (2-0) on the season.
"I am always grateful for every win even when they aren't pretty," Bruins Head Coach Burton Uwarow said. "In our region postseason tournament, we will have to play on consecutive days. We got to bed late last night after winning a late game and today had to play early. Johnson pressured us all afternoon and we were really fortunate to win that game."
The Bruins came into the game having won convincingly on Friday night over Trinity Baptist College 94-57. Six different Bruins scored in double figures as the team won their first region game. On Saturday, the Bruins would face the Suns of Johnson University of Florida.
In the opening minutes, the two teams traded baskets with neither able to gain a sizable lead. Dustin Killough knocked down a three and followed it up with a jumper in the key to give the Bruins a 15-11 lead. The Suns pressured the Bruins throughout the game but the team was able to work the ball around and find ways to penetrate the lane for points. At the halfway point of the first half, the Bruins were able to gain a double digit lead after Luc Muhirwa scored in the paint to make it 27-16. The Suns refused to back down and clawed their way back into the game as the Bruins took a 38-32 lead into the half.
As the second half began, Nate Ellenwood drained back to back three point shots and Dustin Killough added another three to give the Bruins another double digit lead 50-32. The Suns again stormed back with a 17-3 run to climb right back into the game.
With under ten minutes to play, the Suns continued to challenge the Bruins but each time the score neared a tie the Bruins would come up with a basket to keep the lead. Killough remained consistent from the field as he shot 67% for the game.
Kendall Oliver knocked down a three for the Suns with under three minutes to play as Johnson took the lead 67-66. The Bruins were able to get the lead back after Justin Matthews made both free throws. The Suns answered back with free throws of their own to take the lead 69-68. With time running out, the Bruins were in need of a big shot and they found one from Dustin Killough as the senior found space and drained a three point shot to give the Bruins a 71-69 lead. The Suns tried to answer back but the Bruins were able to hang on for the win.
"These guys worked hard and we are happy to be heading home 2-0 in the region," Coach Uwawrow said. "We need to rest up this weekend as we have another tough test coming in on Monday."
Dustin Killough finished the night with 24 points while Nate Ellenwood had 17 to go along with 11 rebounds. The Bruins return home for a game on Monday evening as the team welcomes Piedmont International University to the Davis Field House.
