The Bruins held off a late rally by Berea College as the team won their home opener 86-74 on Friday night in the Davis Field House. Four Bruins scored in double figures with Henry Blair leading the way with 29 points as the team improves to 3-1 on the season.
It had been nearly two weeks since the Bruins had last taken the floor and knew they would be in for a tough test as they welcomed the Mountaineers who came into the game at 4-3 on the season. The hometown fans were out in full voice as the Bruins and Mountaineers took the floor.
From the opening tip, the game went back and forth with several lead changes in the opening minutes. The Bruins then went on a 9-0 run near the midway point of the half as Dillon Harris made back to back baskets in the paint while Henry Blair knocked down a three.
The Bruins continued to pressure the Mountaineers into turnovers and tough shots which fueled transition points on the other end. Brian Sims had a dominant first half for the Bruins as he finished with 13 points including going 7-7 from the free throw line. As a result, the Bruins took a 45-28 lead into halftime.
In the second half, the Bruins came out looking to put the game out of reach. Back to back three-pointers from Henry Blair and Hayes Brush pushed the Bruins lead to as much as twenty-three as it looked as though the Bruins would cruise to a victory.
The Mountaineers had other plans as Berea came roaring back on a big run fueled by 29 points from Trey Minter as they cut the lead to 74-66 with just over five minutes to play. The Bruins battled back and made key shots down the stretch as the team held off the Mountaineers to win 86-74.
Henry Blair finished with 29 pooints and 4 rebounds while Hayes Brush turned in another double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Brian Sims had 19 points while shooting 56% from the floor.
The Bruins shot nearly 60% from the floor as a team including shooting 47% from beyond the arc in the win. Next up, the Bruins will be back home on Saturday as the team welcomes Asbury University.
