The Bruins had a double-digit lead in the second half, but the Montreat Cavaliers played the role of spoiler on Thursday night as the team rallied late to defeat the Bruins 96-93 in their home opener. Henry Blair led the Bruins with 26 points, but 25 turnovers by the team was too much to overcome as the Bruins fall to 0-2 on the season.
"This is a game where we look in the mirror," Bruins Head Coach Burton Uwarow said. "We let a golden opportunity slip away from us. There are no excuses. You can't turn the ball over that much and expect to win the game. We need to learn from this and be better as a result."
The Bruins came into the game on the heels of two losses in exhibitions to Wofford College and Geogria Southern University. They were glad to be on their home court, but knew they would be in for a tough challenge as they welcomed Montreat College who came into the game at 2-1 on the season.
From the opening tip, the Bruins and Cavs went back and forth with several ties and lead changes in the first five minutes of play. The Bruins then got back to back baskets from Henry Blair and Devin Dean as they increased their lead 14-11.
Near the midway point of the half, Hayes Brush buried a three to push the Bruins lead to 26-18. From there, the Bruins were able to hold off several short runs by the Cavs as the two teams went into the half with BJU leading 55-47.
In the second half, the Bruins came out looking to seal the home opening win. Henry Blair knocked down another jumper to open the scoring which sparked an 8-2 run for the Bruins as Eli Cupples and Daniel Fuller each connected from three. The Cavs kept pace, but the Bruins were able to maintain a double-digit lead to the midway point of the second half.
The Bruins struggled to contain JaJa Davis as the senior forward used his length and athleticism to finish with a game-high 27 points int he game. Still, the Bruins maintained the upper hand as the game began to draw to a close.
With under eight minutes to play, Eli Cupples hit a free throw to give the Bruins an 82-75 lead. The Cavs came roaring back eventually battling back to tie the game at 83-83. Henry Blair hit a three on the next possession for the Bruins, but the Cavs went on an 11-2 run in the final minutes of the game as the stormed back to win 96-93.
Four players scored in double figures for the Bruins on the night with Blair's 26 leading the way while Daniel Fuller finished with 18, Devin Dean with 16, and Elijah Cupples with 14. The Bruins shot 71% from the floor including 57% from three-point range but the team shot just 50% from the free throw line in the second half.
Next up, the Bruins will be on the road this weekend as they face Charleston Southern University in Charleston, South Carolina.
