The Bruins basketball team got back into the winning column on Friday night as four players scored in double figures as the team held off a late rally to defeat Johnson University (FL) 81-77. With the win, the Bruins improve to 6-9 on the season and 2-1 in region play.
"We had a very long road trip last week and we played a little tired in the first half," Bruins Head Men's Basketball Coach Burton Uwarow said. "In the second half we responded well especially on defense and in rebounding. I was proud of so many of our guys who came in and gave us what we needed to get the win."
The Bruins came into the game on the heels of a disappointing loss earlier in the week as the team fell to Trinity Baptist College on Monday. The Suns came into Friday's game on the heels of a loss to Trinity as well as the team stood at 5-8 on the season.
Last week, the Bruins and Suns met in Kissimmee, Florida, with the Bruins edging Johnson (FL) 82-80. In that game, four players scored in double figures with Henry Blair leading the way with 27 points in the win. As the two teams took the court at the Davis Field House on Friday night, both were looking to begin the weekend with a win.
From the opening tip, the two teams traded baskets before Eli Cupples hit a rare four-point play to give the Bruins an 11-7 lead. The Bruins maintained the upper hand throughout the beginning stages of the first half but Kaleb Thomas scored eight-straight points for the Suns to help the team go on a 10-0 run and take a 27-20 lead near the midway point of the half.
The Bruins were able to battle back thanks to the scoring touch of Eli Cupples as the junior had 19 first half points. Still, the Suns were able to keep a slim lead as the first half began to draw to a close.
With just under two minutes to play, Eli Cupples knocked down a jumper while Andrew Ahrens had a putback tip-in to help the Bruins trail 34-33. The Bruins then battled back to take a 37-36 lead but a late steal and basket by the Suns gave Johnson (FL) the 38-37 at halftime.
In the second half, the Suns came out strong as they went on an 8-0 run out of the gate forcing the Bruins into a quick timeout. The Bruins came out of the timeout well as the team went on a 12-0 run which was capped off by a big dunk by Quincey Sibley.
The Bruins had grabbed momentum and it showed as the team continued to play hard-nosed defense which opened up offensive plays in transition. After Hayes Brush made a layup in the paint, the Bruins had pushed their lead to double-digits at 71-60 with just about five minutes to play.
It looked as though the Bruins were going to put the game away but the Suns came roaring back with an 8-0 run to cut the lead to 75-73 win two minutes to go. Stephan Hugley made a big basket for the Bruins and then made two key free throws down the stretch as the team was able to hang on for a hard-fought 81-77 win.
"I would rather have an ugly win than a beautiful loss," Coach Uwarow said. "Our guys were really focused in the late stages and did a great job communicating and helping each other. Now we need to get some rest and get ready to play against a good Southeastern team tomorrow."
The Bruins dominated the glass in the second half as the team was able to win the rebounding margin 43-32. Eli Cupples led the way for the Bruins scoring 25 points while Hayes Brush and Stephan Hugley each finished the night with a double-double in points and rebounds.
Next up, the Bruins will have a quick turnaround as they face Southeastern Baptist University on Saturday in another South region matchup. Tip-off for the game is set for 4 p.m. in Greenville, South Carolina.
