The Bruins extended their region winning streak on Saturday night as the team improved to 6-1 in South region play with a 100-86 victory over rival Pensacola Christian College. With the win, the Bruins have now won five of their last six and improve to 10-10 on the season.
"I am proud of our guys," Bruins Head Men's Basketball Coach Burton Uwarow said. "To have five guys in double figures and to score 100 points on the road in a rivalry game is a big accomplishment. We need to keep this momentum as we have two more tough games to end the regular season."
The Bruins came into the game on the heels of a region win on Thursday night over Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, Mississippi. The team has been playing well of late but knew they would be in for a tough test as they took on the Eagles. PCC came into the game after upsetting Trinity Baptist College on Thursday night.
These two teams are very familiar with one another, but the Bruins came into the game having won seven-straight against the Eagles. The Arlin R. Horton Sports Center was packed as the next chapter of this rivalry was set to be written.
In the opening minutes, the Bruins and Eagles traded baskets as each looked to gain the upper hand. Henry Blair knocked down back to back threes for the Brunis to help the team lead 18-11. Still, the Eagles continued to fight back eventually coming back to trail 23-21. From there, the Bruins extended their lead as Stephan Hugley scored before Hayes Brush hit a three to make it 28-21.
As the half wore on, the Bruins continued to maintain the upper hand thanks to great defensive play which fueled their offense. With just over five minutes remaining in the half, Mark Dickerson hit a three for the Bruins to give them a ten point lead. The Bruins were able to maintain that double-digit advantage as they took a 49-36 lead into halftime.
The Bruins again came out strong to begin the second half as Henry Blair scored back to back buckets to fuel a run and help the Bruins push their lead to 61-40. From there, the Bruins continued to distance themselves from the Eagles as the team was able to drive through the lane for points and earn trips to the free throw line.
Near the midway point of the half, a three by Henry Blair gave the Bruins a 25-point lead as it looked as though the team would run away with the win. Instead, the Eagles began to rally as Christian Porter knocked down a pair of threes for PCC to chip away at the lead.
With under two minutes to play, AJ Ward hit another three for the Eagles to cut the lead to just 96-84. But the Bruins wouldn't be denied as the team shot 83% from the free throw line for the game and sunk key free throws down the stretch to win 100-86.
"We showed some of our fatigue from this road trip in the late stages of the game, but I am proud of our players for working hard to get this win," Coach Uwarow said. "Now, we hope to finish this road trip strong on Monday at Toccoa Falls."
Henry Blair led the Bruins with 25 points while Eli Cupples finished with 23 while shooting 70% from the floor. Stephan Hugley had a big game for the team notching a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds in the win. The Bruins shot 53% from the field and 55% from three-point range while outrebounding the Eagles 42-30 in the game.
Next up, the Bruins will be on the road again on Monday night as the team travels to Toccoa, Georgia, for a match up with Toccoa Falls College.
