The #4 Bob Jones University men's basketball team narrowly defeated  #5 Johnson University (FL) 82-78 in the opening game of the NCCAA South Region tournament in Kissimmee, Florida Thursday night. With today's victory, the Bruins have advanced to the semifinals and will take on #1 Toccoa Falls College Friday night.

"Tonight was a hard fought game to get a physical win on the road," said Head Coach Burton Uwarow. "Hopefully we can see some more well-rounded scoring tomorrow night."

#4 seeded Bob Jones University kicked off the men's tournament Thursday night as they faced off against host school #5 Johnson University (FL). The Bruins finished the regular season with an 11-12 overall season record and were 4-6 in conference play after picking up a win against Johnson University (FL) last Saturday. JUFL entered the tournament after closing out the 2022-23 regular season 3-17. The Bruins and Suns met twice this season with Bob Jones pulling out the win in both contests.

From tip-off, Hayes Brush kicked off an early 8-0 lead for the Bruins. The Suns then went on to battle back and get within two points of BJU with 12 minutes left in the first half. Just two minutes later, JUFL evened the game at 19 points apiece before they took the brief lead. It remained close until the final minutes of the first half whre the Bruins were able to pull ahead. Henry Blair dropped a three-pointer at the buzzer to see the Bruins go up 42-35 at the half. 

Johnson wasted no time scoring in the second half as they went to the line after an early foul before Henry Blair responded with a layup. The Bruins saw a six point run at the 14 minute mark to increase their lead back up to eight points. But the lead didn't last long as Johnson fought back to even the score once again with 10 minutes left in the game. 

It remained tight as both teams continued to battle until the very end, but at the buzzer it was the Bruins who finished ahead 82-78. 

Henry Blair finished the day leading both teams with 29 points. Trevor Brunson recorded 17 points in the game with Hayes Brush coming away with a double double of 13 points and 11 rebounds. In tonight's contest, the Bruins shot 48% from the field, 43% from the three-point line, and were 78% from the free throw line.  

The Bruins are back on the court Friday evening as they face #1 Toccoa Falls College in the semifinals of the NCCAA South Region tournament. Tip-off for Friday's game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Kissimmee, Florida.

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