Emmanuel Outlasts Brenau in SSAC Basketball

Franklin Springs - The Brenau basketball team (10-8, 2-5) came up just short today in SSAC action against Emmanuel College (11-8, 4-3) by a score of 71-68. Sophomore Nikki Reed (Atlanta) came off the bench to score 14 points and grab seven rebounds to lead the way for the Tigers. Reed also made 10-16 free throws for one of her better efforts in that category. Sophomore Gabby Harvey tied for game high honors with 14, including 6-8 from the free throw line, and came up with six rebounds. Freshman Tatiana Khudiakova (Moscow, Russia) was the only other Brenau player in double figures with 10.

The game was close throughout with Brenau mounting a charge just before the half to take a one point lead 39-38 at the intermission. Both teams shot well in the first stanza, with Emmanuel hitting 15-30 (.500) and the Tigers connecting on 12-26 (.462). The lead changed hands several times in the second half, setting up a last second three point attempt by Brenau that fell short at the buzzer. The Tigers were outrebounded 34-33, and had more turnovers 22-20. Brenau also had one of their better outings at the free throw line, hitting 24-34 (.706).

"We gave it a great effort, but just came up short at the end," said Coach Gary Bays. "It was one of those games that either team could have won and they made more plays at the end." I am proud of the effort we gave and saw improvement in several areas that we have been working on."

Brenau will host Southern Wesleyan on Tuesday, with tipoff at 6 pm in the Tiger Gym.