On their home court in Greenville, South Carolina, the Bob Jones University men's basketball team defeated Piedmont University 53-50 to earn their first win in program history over the Lions. Henry Blair led the Bruins with 16 points while Stephan Hugley and Hayes Brush combined for a total of 27 rebounds as the Bruins improved to 5-5 on the season.
"We only prepared for about an hour this morning after getting in late last night, but the team did a great job executing today," said Bruins interim head coach Tony Miller. "Earlier in the season Coach Uwarow said that at some point in the season you're going to have to win a game with your defense, and I believe today was that game. I'm really proud of the effort they put in and how they performed."
It was a quick turnaround for the Bruins as they entered today's contest on the heels of an 89-67 win over south region opponent Johnson University (FL) in Kissimmee, Florida on Saturday. Piedmont University came into today's game 7-6 on the season after a big road win over Huntingdon College on Friday. Today's contest marked the seventh meeting between the two programs with Piedmont holding the 6-0 record heading into today's game.
It was a defensive battle from the very beginning. It was back and forth on the scoreboard as the two teams exchanged baskets throughout most of the first half. With just under six minutes remaining, Trevor Brunson's jumper gave the Bruins a four point lead, the biggest of the game so far. As Piedmont worked to cut the lead back, the Bruins continued to battle to hold onto their lead, but with two minutes left on the clock before halftime, Piedmont evened the score once again.
At the break, it was the Bruins on top 31-29.
Early into the second half, the Lions went on a 6-0 run to put themselves ahead 41-36. Bob Jones immediately responded with six straight points from Hayes Brush and Stephan Hugley to retake the lead.
After a foul was called on the Lions, Trevor Brunson went to the line and hit both of his free throws and then followed that by draining a three pointer to extend the lead for the Bruins by five. It was Trevor Brunson once again with a layup to give the Bruins a six point lead, the largest of the game with 4:19 left on the scoreboard.
With 2:11 left in the game and the scored tied 50-50, the Bruins earned three trips to the free throw line with Stephan Hugley, Trevor Brunson, and Henry Blair each going 1-2.
At the final whistle, it was the Bruins who came out victorious 53-50 in their first win in program history over Piedmont University.
Henry Blair led the way with 16 points for the Bruins while Trevor Brunson finished with 12 points on the night. Stephan Hugley came away with 15 rebounds with Hayes Brush right behind him at 12.
Up next, the Bruins turn their attention to Saturday as they host an important game against south region rivals Toccoa Falls College. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. at the Davis Field House in Greenville, South Carolina.
