The Bruins basketball team battled to a tough victory on Saturday as the team defeated #4 Johnson University (FL) 80-71 to capture the NCCAA DII South Region Championship. This is the third region title in program history and the first since the 2017-18 season.
"We give all the glory to God," Bruins Head Men's Basketball Coach Burton Uwarow said after the win. "We don't want to take any credit that is rightfully His. This team has worked so hard and we have overcome so much this season. I'm so proud of them and how our entire team contributed to this victory."
The Bruins came into the game after edging #2 Trinity Baptist College in the region semifinal. Freshman Trevor Brunson hit a late three to push the Bruins past the Eagles and advance to the region championship. Their opponent would be the Suns of Johnson University (FL) who had upset #1 seeded Toccoa Falls to advance to the championship.
The championship matchup was a rematch of the 2019-20 region title game where the Suns upset the top-ranked Bruins at the Davis Field House. The Bruins and Suns met twice this season with the Bruins narrowly winning both matchups. As both teams took the court, each knew only one could leave with the title of "champion."
From the opening tip, the Bruins and Suns traded baskets before Johnson took a 9-4 lead thanks to a three from Antwan Bradley. Later on in the first half, the Suns extended their lead as back to back threes push the lead to 17-11.
The Bruins battled back as Hayes Brush scored two straight baskets in the paint to help the team battle back and tie 17-17 with 9 minutes to go in the first half. Still, the Suns continued to gain the upper hand as they led 28-27 with just over four minutes to play in the half.
Mark Dickerson hit a big three for the Bruins to give them the lead and the Bruins used that spark to close out the first half on a 15-6 run to take a 42-34 lead into halftime.
In the second half, the Bruins came out looking to build on their lead. The team continued to get key baskets from Stephan Hugley in the paint as the junior finished with 22 points and 9 rebounds in the game.
Still, the Suns continued to stay within striking distance as the score remained close near the midway point of the second half. Joe Powell scored back to back baskets for the Bruins off the bench as he helped push the lead to 65-50.
From there, the Bruins continued to force the Suns into tough shots and secured key rebounds which fed into more offensive possessions. With just minutes to play, the Suns tried to mount one last rally but Henry Blair and Mark Dickerson each made key shots to maintain the team's double-digit lead. As the final buzzer sounded, the Bruins stormed the court in celebration as the team captured the region title with a 80-71 win.
"Our captains have bought in and led this team so well," Coach Uwarow said. "When your leaders are bough in, it makes it easier for everyone else to follow. Now, we have the opportunity to go to nationals and continue our season. We're looking forward to making the most of that opportunity."
Stephan Hugley led the Bruins with 22 points while Henry Blair finished with 16 points and Mark Dickerson had 14. The Bruins overcame a tough night from three-point range as the team shot 51% from the field and 84% from the free throw line to secure the win.
Next up, the Bruins will advance to the NCCAA DII National Tournament for the first time since the 2017-18 season. Final seeding for the tournament will be determined in the coming week as the Bruins look to capture their first national title in program history.
