The Bruins are back at .500 on the season as the team defeated Johnson & Wales University 87-82 on Tuesday night in the Davis Field House. The Bruins led by as many as 20 in the second half, but the Wildcats came roaring back with a late rally. The Bruins held on for the win and improve to 7-7 on the season.
"We wanted to play our brand of basketball and the guys are buying into what we are doing and we are starting to hit our stride," Bruins interim head coach Tony Miller said. "This is a group that really thrives on encouraging each other and getting energy from one another and that is from each guy. It's been neat to see."
The Bruins came into the game on the heels of a come from behind overtime win over Mississippi University on Saturday. The team looked to keep up their winning ways as they welcomed Johnson & Wales who came into the game at 7-10 on the season.
Earlier this season, the Bruins and Wildcats met up in Charlotte, North Carolina, with JWU soaring to a 111-89 win. The Bruins hoped to avenge that earlier season loss as both teams took the court.
In the opening minutes, the Bruins came out strong as Stephan Hugley scored back to back baskets to spark an 11-2 run to help the team jump out to an early lead. The Wildcats charged back as Ethan Smith hit a three to help JWU roar back and take a 19-18 lead near the midway point of the half.
The Bruins and Wildcats exchanged baskets and the lead before the Bruins went on a 12-0 run thanks to good defense and effective offensive transition as they pushed their lead to 38-27. It looked as though the Bruins would continue to stretch their lead before the half, but the Wildcats had other plans as they closed out the half on a short run to cut the deficit to 42-37 at the break.
As the second half began, the Bruins again came out strong in the early minutes as back to back jumpers by Henry Blair and Trevor Brunson and a three-pointer by Tostadas Pouncey helped the team again regain a double-digit lead.
The Bruins continued to play well defensively as their zone defense frustrated the Wildcats which turned into turnovers and missed opportunities. Near the midway point of the second half, a jumper by Stephan Hugley pushed the Bruins lead to 68-48 as it looked like the Bruins were going to run away with the game.
Again, the Wildcats refused to back down and came roaring back on a big run to cut the lead to single digits with just two minutes to go. Down the stretch, the Bruins were able to get key stops and make their free throws but the Wildcats remained within striking distance at 82-80.
After a made basket, Tostadas Pouncey made a heads up play and passed the ball near the length of the court to Hayes Brush who was behind the defense. Brush slammed home a dunk to put the game out of reach as the Bruins held off the late comeback for an 87-82 win.
"Basketball is a game of runs but we made some key stops defensively down the stretch and played well late to get the win," Coach Miller said. "JWU has some incredible players and we did a good job of stalling the clock while still being productive offensively. This was an opportunity for us to grow and we did against a good opponent tonight."
Four players scored in double figures for the Bruins with Henry Blair leading the way with 24 points while Stephan Hugley finished with a double-double 22 points and 12 rebounds.
Next up, the Bruins will be back home on Friday as the team prepares for a South region matchup in welcoming Trinity Baptist College. Tip-off for the game is scheduled for 8 p.m.
