The Bruins battled back from a deficit several times throughout the second half, but the team came up short as they lost to Campbellsville-Harrodsburg 75-64 on Friday night in the Davis Field House. Devin Dean led the Bruins with 16 points and 8 rebounds as the team falls to 1-4 on the season.
"Campbellsville is a senior-led team with a lot of experience," Bruins Head Coach Burton Uwarow said. "The story of the game was that we had 23 turnovers. We can make the excuse that we haven't played in a while but we need to realize that we have to get better and can't make those mistakes."
It had been nearly two months since the Bruins last took the court and the team was excited to be playing again. The team last played on November 24 in a loss to Piedmont College. The Pioneers entered Friday's game at 6-6 overall having won two of their last three games.
The Bruins and Pioneers met in first semester of play with Campbellsville-Harrodsburg edging the Bruins 90-86. The Bruins were hoping to start the second semester of play with a win as the two teams took the court.
From the opening tip, the Bruins and Pioneers exchanged baskets and an early lead as the score remained close. Daniel Fuller and Hayes Brush knocked down threes from the outside but the Pioneers answered back with points of their own.
Near the midway point of the half, the Pioneers went on a 9-0 run thanks to back to back baskets from Tyron Duncan as Campbellsville led 17-8. The Bruins battled back as Chapman Harwood knocked down a three and then made a layup to help the Bruins take a 25-24 lead in the closing minutes of the half. The Pioneers again regained the upper hand as they closed out the half strong to lead 35-33 at the break.
As the second half began, Chapman Harwood hit another three for the Bruins to help the team regain the lead. The Pioneers again came back with another short run to take the lead once again. As the half wore on, the Bruins continued to play from behind as they would close the gap only to have the Pioneers push their lead once again.
Turnovers plagued the Bruins in the game as the team finished with 23 turnovers which allowed the Pioneers to extend their lead. Still, the Bruins continued to battle back and after a layup by Stephan Hugley and a pair of free throws from Eli Cupples, the team trailed 57-54 with just over three minutes to play.
Hopes of a comeback were short-lived as the Pioneers came right back to hit a three and regain momentum. The Bruins just couldn't keep pace as Campbellsville-Harrodsburg went on to win 75-64.
"If we get the opportunity to advance to the national tournament we are going to face teams like this," Coach Uwarow said. "This is the only way we can grow and get better is to play quality teams like we are playing this weekend. We are glad to be back on the court playing again and we some things well tonight against a tough team."
The Bruins had three players score in double-figures on the night with Devin Dean leading the way in points and rebounds. Elijah Cupples and Chapman Harwood each had 10 points on the night while Hayes Brush turned in a gutsy performance with 5 points, 5 blocks and 9 rebounds. The Bruins won the rebounding margin 40-36 against the Pioneers despite being outsized in the paint.
Next up, the Bruins will be back on the court on Saturday as they face Great Lakes Christian College. Tip-off for the game is set for 4 p.m.
