Wiley Leads Tigers to Eighth Win

Jackson, MS - The Brenau basketball team ran their season record to 8-1 tonight with a 75-72 overtime win over Blue Mountain, MS in the Belhaven Classic. Freshman point guard Brittney Wiley scored a season-high 22 points, including a 5-10 effort from behind the arc, and had four steals in the win. Sophomore Nikki Reed had her first start of the year and responded with 12 points and nine rebounds with three assists and three steals. Freshman Tala Black had 10 points, including a 5-5 effort from the free throw line, the last two of which sealed the win.

The Tigers were playing their first game since Dec. 4, and their inability to make free throws (17-35, including 4-15 in the first half) and finish shots at the basket made this win a lot more difficult than it should have been. The game was close throughout with the teams tied at 32 at the half and 67 at the end of regulation. Neither team shot particularly well (.353 for the Tigers and .386 for the Toppers) and the rebounding battle ended with both teams gathering 46. Brenau did win the turnover contest, forcing 38 Blue Mountain miscues compared to 26 of their own.

"We really had to grind this one out," said Coach Gary Bays. "It was obvious that we haven't played for awhile and I feel very fortunate to come out with a win." Brenau has played in three overtime games already this season and has been able to win all three, which is a good sign for a young team still figuring out how to play together.

The Tigers will face off against Lyon, AR at 1 pm tomorrow afternoon. Lyon is currently receiving votes in the NAIA National Top 25 poll, and will give Brenau a good measuring stick for where they stand at this point in the season.