After scoring a career-high 29 points in the season opener on Tuesday, Chapman Harwood knocked down his first two shots on Saturday before being sidelined with a knee injury that kept him out of the rest of the game. As a result, the Royals surged as Johnson University defeated BJU 98-71 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
"We got knocked back in the first half after losing Chap," Bruins Head Coach Burton Uwarow said. "But the guys battled in the second half and I am proud of their effort in the end."
The Bruins came into the game at 0-1 after dropping their home opener to Montreat College. The Royals came into the game at 1-2 having dropped their most recent game to Milligan College on Thursday.
From the opening tip, the Bruins came out strong as Chapman Hardwood knocked down a jumper and then hit a three to give the team an early lead. Harwood then suffered an injury, forcing him to miss the rest of the game. The Royals came right back as Taylor Gilpin knocked down a three to put JU up 10-8. From there, both teams traded baskets as the Bruins were able to work the ball inside to Jayson Barnhart and Zac Orr for points in the paint.
At the halfway point of the half, the teams were tied 21-21. Gilpin had another three for the Royals which sparked a massive 28-0 run to lopside the score. Stone Champion finally stopped the Royals run with a basket but the Bruins were hurting as the half ended with the Royals leading 53-26.
In the second half, the Bruins came out looking to close the gap. Although the team was able to knock down several good looks, the Royals matched the Bruins basket for basket as the large lead remained intact for the Royals.
The Bruins continued to take advantage in the paint as Quiyante Burroughs sliced through for a layup. Barnhart and Orr also continued to battle in the paint but in the end, the deficit was just too large to overcome as the final buzzer handed the Bruins a tough loss 98-71.
Barnhart led the Bruins with 15 points while Burroughs and Orr each finished with 14 points. The Royals won the rebounding margin 47-32 and forced the Bruins into 22 turnovers. With the loss, the Bruins fall to 0-2 on the season.
Next up, the Bruins will be back in Greenville on Tuesday night for a cross-town matchup with Furman University at Timmons Arena. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
