The Bruins basketball team notched their first win of the 2021-22 season on Tuesday night as five players scored in double-figures in a 90-82 win over Brevard College. Devin Dean led the way for the Bruins with 24 points and 8 rebounds as the team improves to 1-3 on the season.
"We did a good job tonight," Bruins Head Coach Burton Uwarow said. "We really came back in the second half and we had a positive assist/turnover ratio which was big for us. This first month of our season is our boot camp and we have really improved and that proved dividends in us getting the win tonight."
The Bruins came into the game on the heels of back to back losses to Montreat College and Charleston Southern University prior to Thanksgiving break. On Tuesday, the team would welcome Brevard College who entered the game at 0-4 on the season. The Bruins and Tornados both were looking for their first win of the season as the two teams took the court.
From the opening tip, the Bruins jumped out to an early 6-0 lead as Devin Dean and Stephan Hugley were able to get into the paint for points. The Tornados hit right back as the team went on an 8-0 run to lead 8-6.
As the first half continued, the Bruins and Tornados exchanged baskets with neither able to build a sizable lead. Near the midway point of the half, back to back threes from Eli Cupples helped the Bruins battle back to lead 24-23.
The Bruins had found their rhythm offensively and it showed as they worked the ball around for open looks. As a result, the Bruins closed out the half strong as they took a 42-39 lead into halftime.
In the second half, the Bruins came out looking to extend their lead. Devin Dean was able to drive through the lane for points and then hit a three to help stretch the lead to 49-42. The Bruins were able to hold off the Tornado runs as the team continued to maintain a slim lead.
Near the midway point of the half, a dunk by Stephan Hugley helped fuel a run as the Bruins pushed their lead to 71-57. The Tornados tried to rally late and cut into the lead, but again the Bruins came up with key shots down the stretch to hold on for a 90-82 win.
"We did the little things well tonight," Bruins forward Stephan Hugley said after finishing with 12 points and 8 rebounds. "Our communication and defense was great tonight which helped us really play well in the second half."
Five players scored in double-figures with the Bruins with Devin Dean leading the way with 24 points while Eli Cupples finished with 21. Daniel Fuller finished the night with 16 points after hitting four three-pointers for the team while Henry Blair had 13 points and Stephan Hugley finishing with 12.
The Bruins shot 53% from the floor as a team including 40% from three point range while committing a season-low 12 turnovers in the game. Next up, the Bruins will be on the road on Friday night as the team travels to Clinton, South Carolina, for a matchup against Presbyterian College.
