The Bruins overcame a late rally by the Suns to force overtime as the team defeated Johnson University (FL) 92-85 to notch their second region win of the season. With the victory, the Bruins improve to 7-8 on the season and 2-0 in region play. The team also wraps up a three games and in three days road trip as they begin the second semester of play.
"The team fought hard tonight," Bruins Head Coach Mike LeViere said. "I'm really glad for the team to end this trip with a couple of wins against quality teams. Johnson really has established itself as a very competitive program and we could have easily lost to them if we didn't come ready to play."
The Bruins came into the game after defeating Welch College 83-66 on Friday. They knew they would be in for a tough test as they faced the Suns who came into the game after a tough loss to Grace Christian University on Friday.
From the opening tip, the Bruins and Suns traded baskets with the score remaining close early on. Kylee Leffew and Gracen Ledford hit shots for the Bruins but the Suns answered right back as Johnson led BJU 17-15 at the end of the quarter.
In the second quarter, the Suns rode the energy of the hometown crowd and the scoring touch of freshman guard Megan Garcia who finished the game with 31 points as they stormed ahead to take the lead. The Bruins were able to close the gap late in the quarter but trailed 38-35 at halftime.
As the second half began, the Bruins came out strong as they went on 14-6 run thanks to threes from Madison Shupe and baskets from Rachel Clark. The Bruins also got great contributions from several players off the bench as the team forced the Suns into tough looks offensively. The third quarter came to a close with the Bruins leading 59-54.
With one quarter to play, both teams knew each possession was that much more important if they wanted to win the game. Kylee Leffew provided a spark for the Bruins as she attacked the rim scoring eight points in the quarter.
The Bruins led 77-71 with just over a minute and a half to play in the game as they looked to close out the game with a win. Instead, the Suns went on a run and made a three point shot with seconds to play to tie the game at 79-79 and send the game to overtime.
Undaunted, the Bruins came out strong in the overtime period as Gracen Ledord hit a clutch three to give the Bruins an 84-79 lead. The Suns tried to counter but the Bruins came up with several key stops and defensive rebounds to keep the lead. With just minutes to play, Madison Shupe and Kylee Leffew each scored on a layup and the Suns couldn't respond as the Bruins held on to win 92-85.
"Our bench was key for us in the win," Coach LeViere said. "I've been more and more impressed with certain players who have come in and given us quality minutes at different times. This was a very physical game and I am proud of our players for stepping up at the end to get the win."
Four players scored in double figures for the Bruins with Kylee Leffew leading the way with 21 points and 13 rebounds on the night. Gracen Ledford also had a great game for the team with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in the win.
Next up, the Bruins will return home as they welcome region-rival Pensacola Christian College on Friday in Greenville, South Carolina. Tip-off for the game is set for 5 p.m. at the Davis Field House.
