It came down to the final seconds, but the Bob Jones University women's basketball team came away with 80-77 victory over Great Lakes Christian College Friday evening in Kissimmee, Florida. With today's win, the Bruins have won their second contest of the new year and have improved to 7-7 on the season.
"It is nice to start the year with two wins," said Head Coach Mike LeViere. "We also know we are walking away from this road trip with the knowledge that we can do so much better. That is exciting for the team to think about having just won two games when we definitely weren't playing near our potential."
Yesterday, the Bruins pulled out a narrow 75-72 win over NCCAA South Region opponent Johnson University (FL). In the contest, four Bruins scored in the double digits with Shea Dickinson leading with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Great Lakes Christian College came into today's game on an eight game losing slide. Today marked the second time the two programs have met, with the Bruins winning both contests.
The Bruins gained possession early and a jumper from Tamrah Konieczka got the Bruins on the board first. BJU then drained four consecutive three pointers to extend their lead to 14-5 halfway through the first quarter. After the first 10 minutes of play, it was the Bruins on top 26-10.
In the second quarter, the Crusaders narrowly outscored the Bruins 21-19 as they looked to close the gap. Tamrah Konieczka hit a three to close out the half with the Bruins still holding on to a comfortable 45-31 advantage.
After the break the Crusaders went on a six point run to start the third quarter. Great Lakes Christian College rallied and with just under two minutes remaining in the quarter, the Crusaders flipped the script and saw their first lead of the game.
As the teams came into the final quarter, the Crusaders held on to a narrow 55-53 lead. It continued to be a battle in the fourth quarter. After taking a slight lead, it was all square at 64 points apiece halfway through the final quarter. Tied with just seconds on the board, Anna Layne Wylder's shot sent the Bruins into the win category with the 80-77 decision.
Following the game Coach LeViere said, "while it wasn't our greatest game in terms of poise with the ball, the team effort was there."
The Bruins are back on the road next weekend as they travel to Augusta, Georgia to face Paine College on Saturday, January 14 for a 2 p.m. tip-off.
