The Bob Jones University women's basketball team opened their 2024-25 campaign on the road where they fell 55-76 to Columbia College Saturday afternoon.
As today's game got underway, Columbia College was the first on the scoreboard as they tallied a layup followed by a three-point shot. Newcomer Keely Price opened her account for the Bruins with back-to-back layups to get Bob Jones on the board. Through the course of the first quarter, it remained close between the Bruins and Koalas as the Bruins narrowly trailed through most of the opening minutes. With just over a minute remaining in the first quarter, Faith McClary drained a three-pointer to give Bob Jones their first lead over the game at 14-12. After 10 minutes of play, the Bruins and Koalas went to their benches tied 14 points apiece.
In the second quarter, it was the Koalas that climbed to a sizable lead as they outscored the Bruins 20-9. The Bruins went into halftime trailing 34-23.
Just over a minute into the third quarter, Anna Layne Wylder made one from outside the arc for the first points of the quarter for Bob Jones. A few minutes later, she sank another three-pointer with the assist by Kayley Trump. With a steal and a layup in the final seconds the Koalas ended the third quarter leading the Bruins 57-31.
The Bruins got out strong in the final quarter as they looked to cut down at the deficit. Bob Jones saw their highest scoring quarter as they put down 24 points highlighted by 15 from Keely Price. Despite outscoring the Koalas in the final 10 minutes, it wasn't enough as the Bruins fell 55-76 in their season opener.
The Bruins shot 40% from the field and were 81% from the free throw line. Keely Price led the Bruins with a double double as she recorded 29 points and 12 rebounds.
"With seven of the ten players we suited up being new, we had a lot of question marks to start the year," said Head Coach Mike LeViere. "We were really happy with our performance in a lot of ways today. This performance showed us that we have a lot to build on and with. I was particularly pleased with our defense and how we were able to play with a very talented and experienced Columbia squad."
He continued saying, "obviously rebounding and turnovers hurt us but we did handle their pressure really well at times and procured many high quality shots. This young group is going to be really fun to watch as they continue to improve every day."
Up next, the Bruins will travel to Charlotte, North Carolina on November 1 for a Friday night game against Johnson & Wales University.
