The Bob Jones University men's basketball team wrapped up their weekend in Sewanee, Tennessee with a 66-58 loss to Wittenberg University at the Lon Varnell Classic. Three Bruins finished today with double figures with Elijah Cupples leading the way with 17 points, but after falling behind after halftime the Bruins couldn't find a way to regain their lead to go 0-2 to start the season.
"Wittenberg has gone to more NCAA tournaments than any other school and are one of the most successful DIII programs in the country. For the second consecutive game, we dug ourselves a hole at the beginning of the second half. We have got to be better against the top competition in order to have a chance," said Head Coach Burton Uwarow.
The Bruins were back on the court in Sewanee, Tennessee looking to rebound after Friday's narrow 79-76 loss to Sewanee in their first game of the Lon Varnell Classic. Today marked the first meeting against a top NCAA DIII program in Wittenberg University.
Bob Jones got off to an early lead thanks to a jumper from Elijah Cupples. After a layup by Tostadas Pouncey saw the score read 4-0 in favor of the Bruins, the Tigers went on to score seven straight to take the lead. Throughout most of the first half, it was a back-and-forth effort as the two teams exchanged buckets to keep the score close. With the assist by Devin Pope, Kane Eanes went for three to close out the first half scoring and put the Bruins ahead 23-19 going into halftime.
After the break, the Tigers opened the second half with a three-pointer before Elijah Cupples responded with one of his own. A layup by Shad Vander Hart in with just over 15 minutes remaining brought the Bruins lead to six points. But the Tigers began chipping away at the lead and a minute later, took the lead away from Bob Jones.
The Bruins battled and were within striking distance. Unfortunately, turnovers plagued the Bruins and the Tigers were able to make key baskets down the stretch as they went on to take Saturday's game with a 66-58 result.
Elijah Cupples led the Bruins with 17 points followed by Hayes Brush with 12 and Kenney Garrick with 10.
"We only had five turnovers at halftime and ended up with 17. I am very happy that we forced 19 turnovers but really disappointed we committed so many. We have not handled physical games very well and we will need to going forward."
Coach Uwarow continued saying, "this was our first time playing these two opponents this weekend and they are two of the top teams at the DIII level. Our will was there but our execution was not. We've got another tough NCAA DIII matchup on Tuesday night vs Brevard who just barely lost to Division I Wofford this week. We always schedule tough games early to prepare us for our conference."
The Bruins are back home on Tuesday for their home opener as they welcome Brevard College to the Davis Field House for a 7 p.m. tip-off.
