Five players scored in double figures as the Bruins basketball team advanced to the South region semifinal on Thursday night with a 83-71 victory over #6 Southeastern Baptist College. Freshman Trevor Brunson led the Bruins scoring 18 points while shooting 6/8 from the field and 3/3 from three-point range.
"We beat a very skilled and athletic team tonight," Bruins Head Men's Basketball Coach Burton Uwarow said. "Our stat line was amazing and we had guys step in at key times and give us what we needed at both ends of the floor."
The Bruins came into the game after earning the #3 seed for the tournament. Despite having the best region record this season, the Bruins found themselves playing in the quarterfinal due to the seeding of the NCCAA power rating.
The team would face a familiar opponent in #6 Southeastern Baptist as the Bruins and Chargers met twice this season with the Bruins winning both matchups. A trip to the semifinal was on the line as the two teams took the court.
Mark Dickerson helped the Bruins jump out to an early lead as he knocked down a three to help the team jump out to a 9-4 advantage. The Chargers kept pace, but the Bruins continued to find open lanes to score as the team had a nice rhythm offensively.
Near the midway point of the half, Daniel Fuller hit a three to push the Bruins lead to 18-12. Still, the Chargers continued to remain within striking distance as they relied on the scoring touch of Jacobi York and Glenn Grover.
Daniel Fuller continued to be red-hot for the Bruins beyond the arc as the senior hit a pair of threes later in the half to spark a rally for the Bruins. As a result, the Bruins closed out the first half strong taking a 48-30 lead into halftime.
In the second half, the Bruins came out looking to put the game away. The Chargers had other plans as they began to chip away at the lead thanks to baskets from Omarion Carson. The Bruins matched the Chargers point for point as they continued to maintain their double-digit lead.
Near the midway point of the half, a basket by Eli Cupples gave the Bruins a 61-40 lead. The Chargers saw their season begin to slip away and tried to rally as Jacobi York hit back to back buckets including a three to cut into the lead.
The Chargers had begun to grab momentum and were able to cut the lead back to single digits after a steal and slam by Brannon Singletary made it 63-54. The lead would dwindle to just four points with just over five minutes to go but the Bruins battled back as Eli Cupples scored to spark a 9-0 run capped off by a basket from Trevor Brunson.
Despite a late rally by the Chargers, the Bruins were able to make key shots and free throws down the stretch as the team advanced to the semifinal with an 83-71 win.
"It's win or go home," Coach Uwarow said. "We will need bench depth and to play a full 40 minutes to win tomorrow. Trinity ist the most physical team in our region and they are rested and playing on their home court. We need to come out with energy and focus."
Brunson's 18 points and 8 rebounds led the Bruins but Eli Cupples also had a strong night with 16 points and 8 assists in the win. Daniel Fuller finished with 12 points after hitting 4/6 from three-point range while Mark Dickerson finished with 12 points and Henry Blair 10. The Bruins shot 51% from the floor as a team and 50% from three-point range.
Next up, the Bruins will advance to the semifinal on Friday night as the team faces #2 Trinity Baptist College. The Bruins and Eagles split the season series at 1-1. Tip-off for Friday's semifinal is set for 7:30 p.m. in Jacksonville, Florida.
