The Lady Bruins closed out the regular season on a high note as the team defeated Johnson University of Florida 84-57 Senior Sarah Thomsen led the way for the Bruins with 26 points and added 10 rebounds on her senior day. Fellow senior Sydney Bedsaul chipped in 13 points as the Bruins improve to 11-13 on the season and 7-2 in region play.
"We used our energy on defense to help us gain confidence," said Thomsen. "It was hard for them to cover us on the fast break."
The Suns started the game a hot from the three-point line. Mishla Pierre and Kay Green combined for four threes, leading the Suns to a 12-5 lead to begin the game. The Bruins were able to force turnovers and get out in transition to help them climb back in the game. The first quarter ended with the Suns holding a 18-17 lead.
The second quarter began with the Bruins looking to take control of the game. A three by Sydney Bedsaul and a transition layup by Lauren Smith gave the Bruins a 26-21 lead as they had grabbed momentum.
Later on in the quarter, the Suns were able to battle back and tie the game. The Bruins, aided by their full court press, were able to push away before the half as they closed with a run to take a 41-30 advantage into the break.
The Bruins continued to push the tempo coming out of halftime, but the Suns refused to let the Bruins slip away. Green once again was able to find her rhythm, beating her defender off the dribble and creating high percentage looks in the paint. The Suns closed the gap to a little as four in the third quarter, but were never able to regain the lead. Still, they remained within striking distance as the Bruins led 58-52 at the end of the third quarter.
The Bruins entered the fourth quarter with an added sense of urgency on defense, stuffing the drive of Green forcing contested jumpers and missed shots. The Bruins stingy defense allowed them to get out in transition and wear the thin Suns bench down. Sarah Thomsen had a field day as she hit six three-pointers in the game and was one of four player in double figures for the Bruins.
The Suns did not score a point in the fourth quarter until the 1:30 mark. The strong defense fueled the Bruin momentum as they cruised to an 84-57 win, outscoring the Suns 26-5 in the final quarter of play.
The Bruins were led by Thomsen's double-double. Delaney Edwards added fourteen points and seven rebounds while Madison Shupe and Sydney Bedsaul added thirteen points a piece.
Next up, the Bruins will enter the NCCAA DII South Regional Tournament next weekend in Pensacola, Florida. The team will be the #2 seed in the tournament where they will face #3 seeded Trinity Baptist College. Final scheduling will be determined early next week.
