The Bruins basketball team kicked off the 2021-22 season as the team competed in the blue/white intersquad scrimmage on Saturday afternoon in the Davis Field House.
Newcomer Henry Blair led the way with 25 points for the blue team as they defeated the white team 91-72. Devin Dean had 19 points and Eli Cupples had 16 for the white team in what was an impressive debut for the Bruins squad this season.
"I like where we are at after just two weeks of practice," Bruins Head Coach Burton Uwarow said. "What we wanted to simulate tonight was playing tired. We have a tough matchup to begin our season against Piedmont next week and we wanted to give our guys a real game experience before we start our season."
The blue team jumped out to an early lead as dunks from Kenney Garrick and Hayes Brush built a 12-4 lead. Both teams were able to work the ball effectively which opened up shooters outside for open looks.
Nearly the midway point of the first half, Joe Howell knocked down his second three of the half to give the blue team a 43-28 advantage. Devin Dean then went on a 9-0 run himself to cut into the lead as the blues led 57-47 with under two minutes to go. As the halftime buzzer sounded, blue led white 62-50.
In the second half, the two teams played with a running clock but Henry Blair hit back to back threes for the blues to help extend the lead 79-61. The white team was able to chip away at the lead as Eli Cupples knocked down shots. Still, the white team couldn't close the gap as the final score ended with the blue team winning 91-72.
"We have several players who were teammates in high school which really helps us on and off the court," Coach Uwarow said. "Our new guys are fitting right in and how they played tonight made it look like we all have been playing together for a while. I'm excited for this group and excited to begin our season next week."
Seven players in the game scored in double-figures with Henry Blair finishing shooting 69% from the floor and Devin Dean shooting 75% from the field. Next up, the Bruins will begin the regular season of play on November 5 as the team faces Piedmont University in Demorest, Georgia.
