The Bob Jones University men's basketball team opened their time at the NCCAA South Region tournament with a 80-54 victory over Johnson University FL. With today's victory in the semifinals, the Bruins have secured their spot in the title game and will battle for a chance at the championship.
"We've had a lot of good practices this week and were very prepared," said Head Coach Burton Uwarow.
Friday's semifinal game tipped off from Pensacola, Florida between the Bruins and the Suns. Today marked the second meeting this season between the two programs. BJU played to an 88-60 win over Johnson University FL back on February 3 in the Davis Field House.Â
The Bruins started the contest on an 11 point run, keeping the Suns off the board for the first five minutes. After a layup by Johnson University FL, the Bruins recorded eight straight pulling to a 16 point advantage. Through the final minutes of the first half, the Bruins never gave up their double digit lead. At halftime, the two programs went into the locker rooms with Bob Jones leading 44-26.
Kenney Garrick's jumper opened the scoring after the break. After holding a 20 plus lead for a good portion of the second half, the Suns cut their deficit to 16 points with under 10 minutes on the game clock. The Bruins stood their ground and maintained their advantage until the end. At the final buzzer, it was the BJU on top finishing with an 80-54 win.Â
The Bruins shot well today posting 58.8% from the field and going 11 for 18 from outside the arc.Â
"Our players did a great job of executing our plan," said Uwarow. "Elijah Cupples did a great job setting the tone with 26 points and five of six from three point range. Trevor Brunson and Shad Vander Hart joined Elijah in double figures with 12 and 11 respectively. Hayes Brush had 11 rebounds that were crucial to our defensive success. 61% from three and 9-12 from the free throw line was a huge factor as well."
Uwarow finished by saying, "we face a really difficult challenge tomorrow no matter who we play,"
The Bruins will learn of their opponent later this evening as #2 Toccoa Falls College and #6 Pensacola Christian College face off at 7 p.m. Saturday's championship game will tip-off at 2 p.m. from Sports Center Arena in Pensacola, Florida.
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