The #8 seeded Bruins bounced back with a 80-73 victory over #5 Grace Christian College in the consolation bracket of the NCCAA DII National Tournament in Joplin, Missouri.
"It was a really good team effort," said Head Coach Mike LeViere. "We were a lot closer yesterday than the score reflected. We were right there, but we just didn't finish the deal. Today we did. The team overcame some things and performed, and it was a great team win. That's what we needed and what it took for us to beat a really good team."
This was the second time the Bruins and Tigers squared off this season with the Bob Jones falling 91-61 to the Michigan school back in November.
As the game got underway, it was a low scoring affair as the two teams took some time before the shots started coming. Halfway through the first quarter, the Tigers would hold a five point lead over the Bruins before Jessiann Wiedmann would go on to score six points and pull the Bruins within two. Bob Jones and Grace Christian would exchange baskets in the final minutes, but as Delaney Edwards hit both of her free throws, the score would be even at 16 at the end of the first 10 minutes of play.
Bethany Daulton would sink a three-pointer to start off a seven point run for the Bruins at the beginning of the second quarter. The Bruins would hold on to their lead throughout the second quarter and with a three-point shot from Tamrah Konieczka, the lead would increase to eight points. Heading into halftime the Bruins would lead 39-35. Annie Miller would lead the team with 8 points after the first half.
The Tigers would start the third period with a three-pointer to bring the score within one, but Gracen Ledford and Tamrah Konieczka would respond with three's of their own to get the Bruins back on top. The team continued to play well through the third quarter to see the score at 57-53 heading into the final quarter.
Things would get interesting in the fourth quarter as Grace Christian continued chipping away at the Bruins lead. After exchanging a couple of baskets, the Tigers would tie the game with 8:38 remaining. The Bruins would them score seven straight to take the lead again. But the lead didn't last long as the Tigers came back to tie it again with 3 minutes left on the clock. Bob Jones would regain the lead and would hold on to take the 80-73 victory.
Jessiann Wiedmann would lead the Bruins with 14 points with Gracen Ledford and Annie Miller right behind at 13 apiece. Delaney Edwards would come away with her second double-double of the tournament as she hit 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The Bruins will wrap up the season on Saturday morning as they play #6 Campbellsville University Harrodsburg in the final game of the 2021-22 season. The Bruins were eliminated from championship contention on Wednesday after with a loss to #1 seeded Champion Christian College in the quarterfinals of the tournament. This will be the third time the two schools have met this season with the Bruins falling both times.
"We're looking to end the season on a high note," said Coach LeViere. "We want to have a good effort, good attitude and go out playing the game we love to the glory of God."
Tip-off for the consolation game is set for 10 a.m. at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri.
