The women's basketball team was back on their home court Thursday night with a NCCAA South Region contest against Trinity Baptist College. Five Bruins finished in double figures as BJU pulled ahead 75-69 to improve to 10-11 on the season and extend their winning streak to four games.
"This is one of the most amazing teams to coach. From top to bottom, they are the best shooting group we've ever had here, and that is saying something because we've always had great shooting teams," said Head Coach Mike LeViere.
"Tonight was another example of shooting percentage being the difference. We were out-rebounded; they had 18 offensive rebounds while we had two. We turned the ball twice as much. As a result, Trinity Baptist took 80 shots to our 58. That is a recipe for a loss and yet this team finds a way to win. The great thing is we are still improving and learning. We finished so much better around the rim tonight than we have in some recent games so that was good to see. When they do put in the all around game and out-rebound the opponent while taking care of the ball, the results are going to be spectacular."
The Bruins started today's game out strong and halfway into the first quarter went on a 14-0 run to go up 18-4 over the Eagles. At the end of the first quarter, the Bruins put together an eight point advantage leading 23-15.
Katrina Tabora, Bria Dickinson, and Annie Miller each made their shots to open the second 10 minutes of play. The Bruins maintained a double digit lead and as the clock ran down, back-to-back threes by Catherine Skebo and Anna Layne Wylder put the Bruins ahead by 16 points. The Eagles closed out the second quarter with seven straight points to cut down at their deficit. The two teams went into the locker rooms with BJU still leading 37-28.
After halftime, Trinity opened the scoring with a layup before Shea Dickinson responded with a shot from outside the arc. With under five minutes remaining in the quarter, Trinity rallied to take the 41-40 lead before Hallie Ritter's layup in the paint switched the advantage. Two made free throws by Annie Miller followed by a three by Anna Layne Wylder saw the Bruins take back a seven point lead. At the conclusion of the third quarter, Bruins led 53-46.
BJU dropped three shots outside the arc to start the final quarter of action. The Eagles fought to keep it close in the final minutes, but the Bruins prevailed finishing the NCCAA South Region matchup 75-69 from the Davis Field House.
Five Bruins finished the contest in double figures with Anna Layne Wylder leading the way with 18 points all from the three point line. Annie Miller finished with 16 points with Catherine Skebo at 12 and Hallie Ritter and Bria Dickinson each contributing 10 points.
Up next, the Bruins are back at the Davis Field House Saturday at 2 p.m. to face Johnson University Florida.
