The Bruins basketball team won their third straight game on Monday night as the team rallied from an early deficit to defeat Warren Wilson College 70-58. Tamrah Konieczka led the Bruins with 22 points as the team improved to 3-3 on the season.
"We're glad we got the win," Bruins Head Coach Mike LeViere said. "That said, the scoreboard isn't always indicative of success and we were sloppy which is to be expected coming back from Thanksgiving break. We did what we needed to in coming away with the win but we see where we need to improve."
The Bruins came into the game on the heels of back to back wins over Pfieffer University and Regent University. The team welcomed Warren Wilson to the Davis Field House as the Owls came into the game looking for their first win of the season as the team was 0-6.
In the opening quarter, the two teams traded baskets before the Owls were able to gain the upper hand thanks to the scoring touch of Moosie Lewis and the post play of Catherine Causby. The Bruins were able to keep pace but found themselves trailing 15-13 at the end of the first.
The Bruins came out strong in the second quarter as the team used good defensive play to force the Owls into turnovers. As a result, the Bruins were able to battle back and take the lead as Tamrah Konieczka and Anna Layne Wylder knocked down open looks. Right before the half, the Bruins went in on a high note as Beth Clark threaded a pass to Katrina Tabora who made the layup as the buzzer sounded to give the Bruins a 37-35 lead at the break.
In the second half, the Owls came back as the two teams went back and forth exchanging points and the lead. The Bruins were able to go on a run late but the Owls kept pace as the third quarter ended with the Bruins leading 48-46.
With just one quarter to play, the Bruins began to find their rhythm as they worked the ball around for open looks. Bethany Daulton knocked down a three while the Bruins defense stood strong and limited second-chance opportunities.
Late in the game, the Bruins were able to get key baskets as Ainsley Hutton, Tamrah Konieczka and Anna Layne Wylder all scored to push the lead to double-digits. The Owls tried to rally, but the Bruins wouldn't be denied as the went on to win the game 70-58.
"We had great play from our bench tonight," Coach LeViere said. "Our depth really helped us as we were able to get some solid minutes from players which helped us in this game. We need to continue to work on our defensive play and limiting our turnovers but we're happy to come away with a win tonight."
Tamrah Konieczka led the Bruins with 22 points to go along with 4 rebounds while Anna Layne Wylder finished with 12 points. The Bruins shot nearly 40% from the field including shooting 86% as a team from the free throw line.
Next up, the Bruins will be on the road later this week as they again face Warren Wilson College on Friday night in Asheville, North Carolina. Tip-off for the game is set for 7 p.m.
