Box Score
A strong second half performance fueled the BJU Bruins to their 8th straight win on Thursday night, defeating Johnson & Wales 84-74.
"Tonight was a great team win," Quez Fisher said. Fisher finished with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks in the win. "We played together on both sides of the floor and executed the game plan."
It was a competitive first half of play as there were nine lead changes. The Bruins were able to shoot an efficient 52%, getting a lot of wide open looks in the paint. Nate Ellenwood led the team with 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in the first half as the game was tied 37-37 going into halftime.
"Nate Ellenwood's play was on point tonight," Bruins guard Matt DeHart said. "He was the floor general and leader we needed."
Several players were struggling tonight with illnesses with an outbreak of the flu going around campus. The Bruins were also bit by the injury bug as freshman Quiyante Burroughs was forced to leave the game in the first half with an ankle injury.
In the second half the Bruins were able to take control of the game with an 18-7 run in the first seven minutes, taking a 55-44 lead. Quez Fisher provided a much needed spark off the bench with 10 points and two blocked shots in the second half. Offensive rebounds contributed to the Bruins' second half success, out-rebounding Johnson & Wales 8 to 3 in that category.
"Rebounds were a big key to tonight's win," Bruins Head Coach Burton Uwarow said. "Whoever has the rebounding advantage typically wins the game."
Johnson & Wales rallied back to cut the Bruins lead down to 74-68 with under two minutes to play, but a technical foul on JWU's Kajuan Madden-McAfee after a made layup gave BJU the momentum back. Nate Ellenwood converted on both technical free throws to power the Bruins to an eventual 84-74 victory.
Nate Ellenwood led the Bruins with 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists in the game. Jayson Barnhart finished with 15 points and Quez Fisher scored 14 points off the bench.
With the win, the Bruins improve their record to 15-10 on the season. The Bruins will be back in action on February 8th as they will take on Toccoa Falls College in Toccoa Falls, Georgia.
