The Lady Bruins basketball team had a hard time slowing NCAA DI University of South Carolina - Upstate on Saturday afternoon as the team fell 101-53 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. With the loss, the team falls to 5-9 on the season.
"We came out flat and we just couldn't get out of our own way in the first half," Bruins Head Coach Mike LeViere said. "Turnovers for us and allowing offensive rebounds allowed them to score all over us. Having said that, we really came out well in the 2nd half and I am proud of how the team responded."
The Bruins came into the game on the heels of a big win over Toccoa Falls College on Tuesday night. The team had won two of their last three games after battling through a difficult stretch of their season schedule. The Bruins knew they would be in for another tough test as they faced the Spartans who came into the game at 2-6 on the season.
From the opening tip, the Spartans pushed the tempo as they quickly jumped out to a 6-0 lead. The Bruins were able to keep pace as Madison Shupe knocked down a three to cut the deficit to 11-7. As the first quarter neared its end, the Spartans went on an 11-0 run as they closed out the quarter strong to lead 27-9 after one.
Another 11-0 run to begin the second quarter stretched the Spartans lead as the Bruins couldn't seem to find an answer offensively. The team struggled with turnovers while also allowing many second-chance opportunities to the Spartans. As a result, the Bruins found themselves in a big hole trailing 64-19 at the half.
With the game out of reach, the Bruins came out in the second half determined to have a better showing than the opening twenty minutes of play. It showed as the Bruins went on a 13-3 run to start the quarter thanks to inside shots by Delaney Edwards and Sarah Thomsen. After a timeout by the Spartans, the Bruins were able to match the Spartans basket for basket as they outscored USC Upstate 21-17 in the third quarter. Still, the Bruins trailed by a wide margin 81-40 with just one quarter to play.
In the final frame, Madison Shupe hit another three to open the scoring for the Bruins, but the Spartans responded with three-straight baskets to extend their lead. The Bruins played well defensively and were able to generate flashes of brilliance on offense, but the final buzzer ended the game with the Bruins falling 101-53.
"We were obviously overmatched but we just have to concentrate on doing our best on the things we can control," Coach LeViere said. "Our effort, defense and rebounding are all things that can make a difference in games like these. We competed well that second half in outscoring them and forcing them to call timeouts. We'll look to improve from this moving forward."
Sarah Thomsen led the Bruins with 14 points on the night. The Spartans owned the rebounding margin 58-28 including snagging 24 offensive rebounds. Next up, the Bruins will wrap up the first semester of play at home next Saturday as they welcome Columbia International University.
