The Bruins basketball team opened the 2021-22 season on the road on Friday night as the team fell to Piedmont University 83-70 in Demorest, Georgia. Devin Dean led the Bruins with 21 points and 4 rebounds in the loss as the team falls to 0-1 to begin the season.
"It was a good fight against a veteran team for us tonight," Bruins Head Coach Burton Uwarow said. "We had too many turnovers to be successful. We will not survive this season with self-inflicted wounds."
The Bruins knew they would be in for a tough test as they faced the Lions who were picked in the preseason poll to finish near the top of the USA South Conference. In back to back meetings against the Lions last season, the Bruins struggled to slow Piedmont as the team fell in both matchups. A new season was on the horizon as both teams took the floor.
From the opening tip, the two teams traded baskets as each tried to push the tempo from the start. The Lions were able to find Ryan Jolly for several easy baskets as they held an early 12-6 lead.
The Bruins began to rally as Devin Dean and Henry Blair each knocked down a three to help cut the deficit to 19-16. Daniel Fuller then hit back to back threes to cap a 12-4 run and give the Bruins their first lead 22-21. The Lions answered right back as they regained the lead but the Bruins matched Piedmont point for point.
With under two minutes to play, Hayes Brush scored in the paint to tie the score at 34-34. Kenny Garrick then hit a three for the Bruins but the Lions answered back with a layup from Ryan Jolly to take a 40-37 lead into halftime.
The Bruins came out looking to regain the lead as Devin Dean made back to back baskets. The Lions were able to maintain the upper hand as they kept a slim lead thanks to points in the paint and taking advantage of turnovers by the Bruins.
Near the midway point of the half, the Lions because to pull away as the team went on a 13-0 run to lead 59-46. Will Richter then hit back to back threes for Piedmont as the team stretched their lead to eighteen.
The Bruins had some ground to make up but the team continued to battle as they chipped away at the lead. With just under four minutes to play, Henry Blair scored in the paint for the Bruins to cut the lead to 75-63. The team had some life and after a Daniel Fuller three the Bruins trailed 77-70 looking to mount one last rally.
Unfortunately, the Lions answered right back and made key free throws down the stretch to ice an 83-70 victory. Five players scored in double-figures for the Lions and the team capitalized on the Bruins' 17 turnovers to pull away late.
"We struggled some with their height and length but we also saw some good things tonight," Coach Uwarow said. "This first month is always tough for us because we purposefully play a challenging schedule, but we will learn from this and look to improve."
Devin Dean shot 50% from the floor for his 21 points while Henry Blair finished with 15 points and 5 rebounds and Daniel Fuller had 11 points to go along with 7 boards. Next up, the Bruins will be on the road again on Tuesday as the team faces Wofford University in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
