The Bob Jones University men's basketball team wrapped up their time at the Coca-Cola Classic in Lookout Mountain, Georgia with a 84-71 victory over Asbury University. With today's win, the Bruins have improved to 3-3 on the season.
"We talked as a team before the game about laying another brick on this season we're trying to build," said Assistant Coach Tony Miller. "The guys responded, and we ended up hitting multiple statistical goals. I'm proud of the way they played."
The Bruins entered today's contest following a loss to host school Covenant College on Friday evening. Saturday's game marked the third meeting between the Bruins and Asbury University with the Eagles holding the 2-0 series record coming into today's matchup.
As today's game got underway, Devin Dean opened the scoring with a layup in the paint to put the Bruins on the board first. The Eagles responded with a back-to-back shots to take a slight 5-2 advantage. Their lead didn't hold long as Trevor Pittman began an 11-0 scoring spree for BJU. With just over 12 minutes remaining in the first half, the Bruins advanced to a double-digit lead off of a three-pointer from Justin Skelton. In the final minute of the first half, Tostadas Pouncey and Justin Skelton both drained three-point shots to end the first 20 minutes of play leading 47-23.
It was a back and forth effort after the half time break as the Bruins and Eagles exchanged points early. After a three minute scoring drought, Justin Skelton dropped another three-pointer to put BJU ahead by 17 points. Both teams continued to play well. In the end, Asbury narrowly outscored the Bruins in the second half 45-41, but it wasn't enough as the Bruins held strong to finish 84-71 for the win.
Justin Skelton was 5-6 from outside the arc to lead the Bruins with 22 points followed closely by Trevor Pittman with a season high 21 points, Trevor Brunson with 17, and Devin Dean with 13 points.
Speaking of Justin Skelton's game, Miller said, "Justin was fantastic. What everyone is going to pay attention to are his offensive stats, but he was great defensively as well."
Up next, the Bruins are back at home for a contest against Columbia College on December 7.
