Jayson Barnhart had a dominant performance for the Bruins with 30 points, but it wasn't enough as Brevard College held on for a 74-61 win over Bob Jones University on Tuesday night in Brevard, North Carolina. With the loss, the Bruins remain winless on the year at 0-5.
"Our young guys are growing into their roles," Bruins Head Coach Burton Uwarow said. "Basketball is a game of habits and we simply don't have guys who have played enough college basketball to have those habits yet. It will come though."
The Bruins came into the game after having some time off with their last game being played ten days ago in the loss to Pfeiffer University. It was the home opener for the Tornados as they looked to get back into the winning column after starting the season at 1-3.
The Bruins opened the game with a 6-0 run thanks to the big guys running the floor as Jayson Barnhart had a pair of layups and Zac Orr scored on the fast break to give the team an early lead. The Bruins were able to play well defensively as they limited the Tornados and forced tough looks.
At the midway point of the half, Noah Lea hit a three for Brevard to give them their first lead of the game at 13-10. Both teams exchanged baskets but neither team was able to surge offensively as the score remained close.
With just under three minutes in the half, the Bruins came back to take the 25-22 lead thanks to a pair of free throws by Quiyante Burroughs. The Tornados would close out the half strong as an 11-2 run to end the half gave Brevard a 33-27 lead at the break.
In the second half, the Bruins looked to claw their way back and take the lead as Jon Allen scored on the fast break to cut the lead 33-31. The Tornados answered back before Allen hit a three for the Bruins to keep the score close. Another 13-2 run by the Tornados near the midway point of the half proved costly as Brevard held a 53-40 lead.
Despite making several short runs throughout the remaining minutes, the Bruins just couldn't close the gap as the Tornados made the necessary shots down the stretch to hang on for a 74-61 win.
"This is how we learn" Coach Uwarow said. "You learn by not going around the struggle but going through it. I'm thankful for a lot of teaching opportunities that we are presented with early. That will help us with our maturity as a team."
Jayson Barnhart shot 61% from the field while notching 30 points and 9 rebounds for the team. Quiyante Burroughs also had a strong outing for the Bruins with 13 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.
Next up, the Bruins will have some time off for the Thanksgiving holiday before returning home on November 27 as they welcome Emmanuel College to the Davis Field House. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
