The Bruins basketball team turned in a strong performance on Saturday afternoon as the team defeated Johnson University (FL) 89-67 in Kissimmee, Florida, for a South Region win. Five players scored in double figures for the team as the Bruins improved to 2-1 in region play and 4-5 on the season.
"I couldn't be prouder of how the guys responded today," Bruins interim head coach Tony Miller said after recording his first career win as a head coach. "The execution, effort and enthusiasm were all there. That was the best 40 minutes we've played all season."
The Bruins came into the game after falling to Webber International University on Wednesday to begin the second half of the season. The Bruins were looking to bounce back and looked to end a four-game losing skid as they took the court against the Suns.
From the opening tip, the Bruins came out strong as baskets from Kenney Garrick and Brian Sims helped the team jump out to an early 8-2 lead. The Bruins were finding open shots and defensively they forced the Suns into turnovers and tough looks as they maintained the upper hand.
Near the midway point of the half, Hayes Brush scored on back to back layups as he pushed the Bruins lead to double-digits with the team leading Johnson (FL) 24-14. The Suns refused to back down as they hoped to claw their way back into the game. Despite several short runs by the Suns, the Bruins did a good job of answering back with points of their own as they took a 45-27 lead into halftime.
The Bruins picked up where they left off to begin the second half as Henry Blair knocked down a three to increase the lead. It looked as though the Bruins would run away with the game but the Suns went on a run to cut the lead all the way back to 68-56 with just over eight minutes to play.
Again, the Bruins were able to respond well as the team worked the ball around the paint to create high percentage shots. As a result, the Bruins were able to pull away late as they cruised to an 89-67 road victory.
"Region road wins are never easy so it feels good to get a big region win to start off 2023," Coach Miller said.
Brian Sims led the way for the Bruins with a near double-double 20 points and 8 rebounds. Henry Blair finished with 17 points while Stephan Hugley had 13, Kenney Garrick with 11 and newcomer Collin Jacobs with 10.
Next up, the Bruins will return home on Monday as the team welcomes Piedmont University to the Davis Field House. Tip-off for the game is set for 3 p.m. in Greenville, South Carolina.
