Despite battling back at several points throughout the game, the Bruins basketball team couldn't overtake #3 seeded Manhattan Christian College as the team fell 81-73 in the quarterfinals of the NCCAA DII National Tournament in Joplin, Missouri. Elijah Cupples led the men's team with 26 points and 7 rebounds.
"We knew that we were in for a tough matchup tonight," said Head Coach Burton Uwarow. "No one on the team, except for one, had ever been to a national tournament, so I feel like they gained some valuable experience today. They came back from a 16 point deficit and cut it to four. I was really proud of how we ended the game. Even though the score wasn't what we wanted, the effort was what we wanted, and that's all we can control is our effort."
The Bruins came into the game on the heels of the NCCAA DII South Region Championship earning them the #6 seed for the National Tournament. Their opponent would be the #3 seeded Manhattan Christian College who entered the tournament 22-8 on the season. This would be the first time the two teams would meet.
Two early free throws would see the Thunder on the board first, but a jumper from Henry Blair would get the Bruins in the game shortly after. The two teams exchanged baskets and the game remained close. A three-pointer by Daniel Fuller followed by a jumper by Hayes Brush, woud see the Bruins extend their lead making it 13-9 with 16:22 left on the clock. Manhattan Christian College would come back with momentum and take a nine point lead halfway through the first half. Three-pointers by Elijah Cupples and Henry Blair pulled the Bruins back within five. But the Bruins couldn't hold on as the Thunder came roaring back to extend their lead. At the end of the first half, the Bruins would see themselves down 27-44.
After the break, the Bruins looked to close the gap. Elijah Cupples would kick start the half with a three-pointer. Looking to add a spark for the Bruins, Henry Blair would go on a fast break to knock down two points followed by a three-point shot to bring Bob Jones within seven points. With nine minutes left in the game, Hayes Brush would get the ball and make a massive dunk to bring the score to 55-59. The Bruins outscored the Thunder 46-37 in the second half, but weren't able to overcome the earlier deficit and fell 73-81 in the quarterfinals of the NCCAA DII National Tournament.
Elijah Cupples led the team with 26 points and 7 rebounds on the night. Henry Blair was close behind with 22 points.
"I want to finish out the season well," said Coach Uwarow. "Whenever we've faced anything this year, I've told them to just focus on the next play in life. You have to choose to pick it up and focus on the next thing, and I hope that we can do that tomorrow. I think we'll come out and perform well"
It's a quick turnaround as the Bruins play #7 Ozark Christian College in the consolation bracket Friday afternoon at 1:00 p.m.
