For the first time in program history, the Bob Jones University men's basketball team traveled to Rock Hill, South Carolina to face NCAA DI Winthrop University in a midweek exhibition game. The Bruins played well against the Eagles, but Winthrop came out on top 90-49.
"I was super happy with most of our game," said Head Coach Burton Uwarow. "We had fewer turnovers in this game that we did before Thanksgiving. For most of the game we got the shots we wanted but they are just too big and too fast. The rebounding battle was the difference as they had 39 and we finished with 24."
After a ten day break, Bob Jones came into the week on a two game winning streak after picking up victories at home over Brevard College and Johnson & Wales University. On the other side of the court, Winthrop University entered the game 4-3 after falling in a 78-69 decision against the University of Georgia on Friday. The loss against Georgia snapped a three game winning streak for the Eagles.
As today's game got under way from Winthrop Colesium, the Eagles got out to a quick five point lead before Hayes Brush stole the ball and sent it to Elijah Cupples who drained a three-pointer to put the Bruins on the board. A jumper by Devin Pope kept the score within two with 14 minutes remaining in the first half.
The Bruins continued to maintain good control of the game despite going up against a bigger Eagles team. About halfway through the first half, back-to-back shots by Shad Vanderhaart and Elijah Cupples cut the deficit back down to four. But then the Eagles soared back pushing to a 16 point lead. A jumper by Devin Pope wrapped up the first half scoring as the two teams left the court with the Bruins trailing 22-43.
After the break, the Eagles started the second half on a 9-0 run before a jumper by Devin Pope stopped their streak. The Bruins looked to knock down more shots, but the Eagles out rebounded them 21-12 in the second half. Bob Jones didn't back down as the two teams exchanged buckets throughout the last few minutes. But at the final whistle it was the Eagles on top 90-49.
Devin Pope led the Bruins with 17 points through 26 minutes played followed by Elijah Cupples with 13 points. Hayes Brush finished with seven rebounds in the contest.
Up next, the Bruins travel to North Carolina for a Friday night game against Brevard College where they look to pick up their second win of the season against the Tornados.
