Tigers Win - Keep SSAC Post-Season Hopes Alive
In the regular season finale, the Brenau Golden Tigers basketball team defeated the Brewton-Parker College Lady Barons 79-73.
Brenau once again jumped out to an early 16-6 lead with hot shooting from senior, Sarah Ward (Elberton, Ga.). Ward's 2 three-point buckets not only gave Brenau an early lead, but set the tone for the night. Ward, the #5 ranked three-point shooter in the NAIA, nailed a career-best 8 three point baskets en route to a career high 24 points.
The Barons, however, closed the gap and tied the game at 36-36 going into the break.
In the second half, the Golden Tigers started slow, allowing the Barons to take a nine point lead. Hot shooting again from Ward and inside play from fellow senior, Nikki Reed (Atlanta, Ga.) helped chip away at the deficit. Strong interior passing from Raven Crawford (Toccoa, Ga.) and Gabby Harvey (Lilburn, Ga.) allowed the Golden Tigers to find a rhythm on offense and take the lead with just under six minutes to play. In a fitting ending to the contest, Ward's 8th three-pointer sealed the victory for the Brenau.
Coach Kris Stewart said, "Foul trouble got us out of a rhythm in the first half. Luckily, Sarah Ward really shot the ball well to keep us in the game. Our seniors really showed their experience in the second half. We didn't panic, but instead focused on pounding the ball inside. Once we started doing that, we found offensive balance, which allowed us to pull away with the win".
Ward led Brenau with 24 points on 8-15 shooting. Harvey continued her stellar play with 12 points and 15 rebounds, while senior Nikki Reed added 8 points and 11 rebounds.
Brianna Webb led the host team with a game-high 37.
The victory gives Brenau its 15th win on the season, which marks the third best win total in the program's history. The Golden Tigers await the end of conference play to determine whether they will play in the SSAC Tournament.