The Bob Jones University women's basketball team's three game winning streak was snapped Tuesday night as the Bruins fell 67-58 to Paine College from the Davis Field House in Greenville, South Carolina. With today's loss, the Bruins now sit at 8-8 on the season.
"Even though the players worked hard on the floor, in some ways it is difficult to walk away from tonight's game with positive thoughts," said Head Coach Mike LeViere. "We simply defeated ourselves. We had 20 turnovers in the first half alone. On top of the turnovers we didn't box out and Paine took advantage by scoring a lot of second chance points. Our defense let us down and offensively we weren't sharp. We didn't see the floor. We weren't strong with the ball and didn't have poise under pressure. We let some token pressure get to us and cause us to play tentative. All of that leads to poor performance, which is what occurred."
After playing on the road for over a month, the Bruins were finally back home at the Davis Field House for their first game of 2023. They entered the contest on a three game winning streak after defeating Regent University 58-43 in Virginia Beach, Virginia on Friday. Paine College came into the night 1-11 on the season. The Lions picked up their only win of the season in a 70-45 decision over Benedict College on January 9. Since then, Paine College had fallen in back to back games against Allen University and Clinton College on January 12 and 16. Tuesday marked the first meeting between the Bruins and the Lions.
As the game got underway, Tamrah Konieczka knocked down a three pointer to open the scoring for the Bruins. The two teams battled back and forth, and the Bruins were able to go 3 for 3 from the three point line to earn their first points of the game. After Katrina Tabora made both of her free throws, the Bruins saw a slight 11-9 edge before the Lions went on an 12 point run to end the first quarter on top 21-11.
While the Bruins struggled in the first quarter, they didn't give up and throughout the 2nd quarter they began trying to inch their way out of the deficit. The Lions opened the scoring in the 2nd quarter before Tamrah Konieczka responded to get the Bruins on the board. The team continued to work as the Bruins went on a six point run to end the first half 29-24.
After the break, the Bruins still trailed, but with just over six minutes left in the 3rd quarter a shot from Shea Dickinson got the Bruins within one. They continued to battle, but heading into the final quarter the Bruins were still behind 44-41.
Anna Layne Wilder drained a three point shot to even the score at the start of the 4th quarter. Paine College quickly went on a six point run before a three pointer from Bria Dickinson would get the Bruins back within three. The Bruins pulled within two points with three minutes left on the clock, but at the final whistle it was Paine College on top 67-58.
"It is amazing how the little things add up," said LeViere. "A simple thing like not catching the ball strong and turning to look at the floor, leads to lost opportunities and turnovers. Or a little thing like moving our feet or staying low on defense leads to dribble penetration and an offensive rebound or a foul. The little things add up and eventually take over the storyline."
The Bruins look to get back on track as they are back at home for two more home games this weekend against region rivals on Friday and Saturday night at the Davis Field House.
