Tigers Stung by Hornets in SSAC Basketball

Gabby Harvey's (Lilburn, GA) 10th double-double of the season wasn't enough to secure Brenau's 12th win of the season as the Golden Tigers dropped a close conference game to the Southern Poly Hornets, 67-61.

In the opening half, the Golden Tigers' defense and rebounding held the Hornets to 20% shooting and 22 points. Harvey's 13 rebounds led the charge; with the entire squad pulling down 33 first half rebounds. However, Brenau's offense struggled shooting 30% from the field, but still allowing for a 25-22 lead.

In the second half, the Brenau offense began to heat up. Senior guard Sarah Ward (Elberton, GA) hit a three pointer off a Harvey offensive rebound to give Brenau a lead 36-30. At the 10:59 mark, an offensive rebound and put-back from junior post Raven Crawford (Toccoa, Ga.) helped stretch the lead to 47-40.

Brenau held the lead until the 3 minute mark as the Hornets went on a 11-2 run, taking a late 2 point lead. After both teams traded baskets through the last two minutes, the Hornets made a late defensive stop, securing the win.

When asked about another close loss, Coach Kris Stewart said, "We led the entire game and lost it at the end. Our effort is there, but our execution is lacking. We had a great week of practice, but it just didn't translate today. Southern Poly is a talented team, but I thought we wasted opportunities to win".

In addition to Harvey's double-double, Crawford and Brittney Wiley (Royston, GA) both notched 11 points. Wiley also chipped in with 7 rebounds and 5 assists.Brenau out rebounded the Hornets 49-35. Southern Poly was led by Sarah Ogoke's 23 points. The loss dropped Brenau to 10-8 on the season. Southern Poly increased their record to 14-2.

The Golden Tigers will pick up again on Saturday taking on conference opponent Southern Wesleyan University (SC). Saturday's game will tip-off at 2pm in the Brenau gymnasium on the Gainesville campus. Tomorrow's game will also feature live webcasting by the SSAC.