Tigers Get Burned by Flames in SSAC Loss
The Brenau Golden Tigers lost a heartbreaker to the #7 ranked Lee University Flames 59-50 in Gainesville in their last home game of the season.
From the opening tip, the game was close, with neither team taking more than a three point lead. The Flames rallied in the last minute to take a 30-29 lead into halftime.
Lee took control in the 2nd half, jumping out to a nine point lead with about 9 minutes to play. However, the Golden Tigers clawed back, cutting the Lee lead to five points with just over three minutes remaining in regulation. Gabby Harvey (Lilburn, Ga.) was fouled on a made basket and knocked down the corresponding free throw to cut the Flames' lead to two with less than two minutes to play. However, that was as close as the Golden Tigers would get as Lee hung on to take the victory.
Coach Kris Stewart said that, "We played very hard against an excellent team. Our defensive intensity was excellent and we moved the ball really well. We missed 14 foul shots in the 2nd half, which really hurt our chances, but overall, I felt like my team played outstanding basketball."
Harvey led the Brenau scoring with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Olivia Williams (Hiram, GA) added 9 points, while Tala Black (Marietta, GA), Raven Crawford (Toccoa, GA) and Nikki Reed (Atlanta, GA) each added 8 points.
Lee was led by Hollie German's 18 points.
The loss takes Brenau's record to 14-15 overall; 5-13 in the SSAC. The Tigers wrap up the regular season on Wednesday with a trip to Mt. Vernon, GA to face Brewton-Parker College. Tip-off is at 6 pm.