It was a tough loss as the Bruins fell 86-62 to the reigning NCCAA DII Champions, Champion Christian College at the NCCAA DII National Tournament in Joplin, Missouri.
"We are definitely disappointed in ourselves for the two things that we can control; finishing around the rim and rebounding. Either of which would have resulted in a win or at least a much closer game," said Head Coach Mike LeViere. "We would've liked to play our best, and we didn't. That's disappointing. But we didn't play our worst game for sure. We just didn't finish or score the ball well overall and we got beat badly on the rebound battle. That determined the game."
The Tigers got off to a quick start and went on a 15 point run to make it 17-2 in the first quarter, but a layup by Gracen Ledford would be what the Bruins needed to begin chipping away at the Tigers' lead. Tamrah Konieczka would score three unanswered three-pointers to bring the score to 13-19 with just under two minutes remaining in the first quarter. The Bruins would be behind 14-22 after the first period of play.
As the second quarter got underway, the Tigers would knock down a couple of shots before Tamrah Konieczka would sink another three-point shot. The Bruins would keep fighting to close the deficit, but would still be down 27-39 going into halftime. Konieczka notched 14 of the Bruins 27 points in the first half.
After the break, Champion Christian would hit back-to-back three-pointers to increase their lead, but Bethany Daulton would respond with a big three-pointer of her own to kick off the scoring for the Bruins. The Bruins would then go on a nine-point run started by a jumper from Jessiann Wiedmann. Bob Jones would trail by 18 points heading into the final quarter.
The Tigers sank three three-pointers to kick off the fourth quarter. Shea Dickinson would end their streak by making a free throw followed by a three-pointer by Gracen Ledford. Despite a hard fought game, the deficit was too much for the Bruins to overcome, and they ended up falling 62-86 to the Tigers.
Tamrah Konieczka led the Bruins with 19 points while teammate Delaney Edwards came away with a double-double scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds.
"I'm proud of this team and all they've accomplished," said Coach LeViere. "Their effort has been outstanding."
The Bruins will face off against Grace Christian University tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.
