The Bruins got a boost from Daniel Fuller as the sophmore hit six three and scored twenty points, but it wasn't enough as the team fell to South Carolina State University (NCAA DI) 79-64 on Friday night in Orangeburg, South Carolina. With the loss, the Bruins open the season at 0-2.
The Bruins came into the game after falling in their season opener to Johnson University (TN) on Saturday. The Bulldogs entered Friday's game after dropping their season opener as well. Both teams looked to find the win column as they took the court.
From the opening tip, the Bruins came out strong as they took the lead thanks to back to back baskets by Jon Allen as the team led 10-6. The Bulldogs slowly chipped away at the Bruins lead eventually tying the game back up at 18-18. From there, the Bruins continued to battle as they worked the ball around to find open shooters. Unfortunately, the size and athleticism of the Bulldogs proved to be a factor as the Bruins trailed 42-29 at the break.
In the second half, the Bruins came out looking to climb back into the game. The Bruins went on a run as they hit shots and made stops defensively to cut into the lead. Daniel Fuller brought the Bruins closer as he shot 5-10 from beyond the arc in the second half. After another Fuller three, the Bruins had battled back to within single digits trailing 53-45.
The Bulldogs responded with a run of their own as they pushed their lead back to double digits. The Bruins tried to keep pace, but their hot shooting began to cool and the Bulldogs took advantage as they continued to build on their lead. Despite battling back in the second half, the Bruins couldn't complete the comeback as South Carolina State pulled away late to win 79-64.
Daniel Fuller had 20 points to lead the scoring for the Bruins while Nate Ellenwood and Jayson Barnhart each scored 11 points. The Bruins struggled in the rebounding margin 44-30 but the team was able to take several positives away from a tough matchup against a NCAA DI program.
Next up, the Bruins will be back in action on Friday as they face Oglethorpe University in Mount Berry, Georgia.
