In an exciting exhibition against Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Bob Jones University Bruins narrowly defeated the Johnson & Wales University Wildcats 73-72.

"As I mentioned earlier this week, it's been awhile since we've won at their place. In addition, we now have two great road wins to start the year. We beat a top 10 team today on their court," said Head Coach Burton Uwarow. "I was really impressed with Kenney's performance, especially in the first half. Brandon Wilkins gave us incredible results in clutch time. And, of course, perfect execution of the play and a beautiful shot by Eli Cupples. I'm proud of us for fighting back from being down and for getting a great win even though we had a couple of guys out today."

Saturday's contest marked the 16th meeting between the Bruins and Wildcats where BJU now holds the 10-7 series record. The two programs met at the Davis Field House back on November 18, where the Bruins played a solid game and finished ahead 79-66. The last win for the Bruins on the Wildcats home court was back in January 2018. 

From tip-off at the JWU Wildcat Center, the Bruins went on an 11-3 run to take the early lead. The Bruins didn't let off the gas and with 10 minute remaining in the first half held a 15 point advantage. The Wildcats slowly began cutting down at the deficit and at the end of the first half, the Bruins led 38-30.

After the break, the Wildcats came out with intensity and opened the half with back to back buckets. A dunk by JWU in the 16th minute gave the Wildcats the lead. Bob Jones continued to fall behind by 16 points with just 8 minutes left in the contest. 

The Bruins didn't give up and began to rally as they went on a 11 point run highlighted by six points by Hayes Brush. There was still work to do and with 1:40 remaining, Elijah Cupples drained a three-pointer to continue the comeback. Cupples then went on to make back-to-back layups to see the Bruins down just 70-72. As the clocked ticked down, Cupples made one final three-pointer with 11 seconds remaining send the Bruins into the win column with a final score of 73-72.

Three Bruins finished in the double figures led by Elijah Cupples with 21 points followed by Shad Vander Hart with 18 and Kenney Garrick with 16 points. 

Up next, the Bruins are back home at the Davis Field House for three home games next week.

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