Lions TameTigers in SSAC Matchup

Photo by Nick Dentamaro

Senior, Gabby Harvey (Lilburn, Ga.) scored a team-high 16 points and pulled down 7 rebounds to lead the Brenau Golden Tigers in a close loss to conference foe Emmanuel College by a score of 62-56.

Both teams shot poorly as defense and rebounding dictated the flow of the game. Brenau shot 37.3% from the field, while holding Emmanuel to 32.8%. Both teams were very active on the boards, with Brenau also winning the battle of the glass with a 38-35 advantage. However, the discrepancy in free throw shooting determined the outcome of the game, with Emmanuel shooting a scorching 19-22 (86.4%) from the line, while the Golden Tigers struggled, converting only 12-28 (42.9%).

Coach Kris Stewart noted the discrepancy in free throw success: "We played very hard. We led in rebounding, shooting percentage and 3 point shooting, but we missed 16 foul shots. In a close game, we simply cannot afford to give away points. We have been a solid free throw shooting team up until this game. 6 of our 7 losses are by single digits, so we just need to tighten up some details. I believe we can still finish strong and I believe in this team's resiliency".

After posting a 25-23 halftime lead, the Lions jumped out to a 12 point lead. Two, 3 point baskets by senior guard, Sarah Ward (Elberton, Ga.), and one by Brittney Wiley (Royston, Ga.), cut the Emmanuel lead to 3. A driving layup by senior post Olivia Williams (Hiram, Ga.) cut the lead to 1. The remainder of the half was a back and forth battle, with both teams sharing the lead.

After missing a 3 pointer to tie the game with under a minute to play, Emmanuel stretched the lead to six points on free throws, ultimately winning by a final score of 62-56.

Emmanuel had three double-digit scorers led by Joreshica Martin's game high 19 points. Kaylin Young (16 points) and Kayla Eaton (14 points) also reached double figures. Martin and Young also pulled down 7 rebounds each.

Brenau's only other double digit scorer, Brittney Wiley, also notched 7 rebounds. The junior point guard also shot 3-3 from the 3 point line and is currently ranked # 9 in the NAIA in 3 point percentage (44.4%).

The loss dropped Brenau's season record to 10-7. The Golden Tigers will face non-conference Morris College on Saturday.