Golden Tigers Basketball Tops Toppers

A strong defensive effort and a balanced offensive attack led the Brenau Golden Tigers basketball team to a 71-64 win over conference newcomer Blue Mountain College on Saturday.

The Golden Tigers jumped out to an early lead over the Toppers, shooting 14/28 (.500) in the first half. Sophomore Kalin Williams (Palmetto, Ga.) took a rebound and went coast to coast for a layup, while consecutive layups from Nekeia Brown (Danielsville, Ga.) added to the 10-0 first half run.

In the second half, the Golden Tigers continued to attack as Jasmine Butler (Gainesville, Ga.) scored 10 of her 15 points in the second half to open up a twenty point lead. Blue Mountain made a last minute run to cut into the Brenau lead, but the deficit proved too much.

Kalin Williams led all scorers with 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Jasmine Butler added 15 points and nine rebounds while Quinnesha Turner (Winterville, Ga.) added 12 points and four assists. Anela Durmic (Grayson, Ga.) and Nekeia Brown both chipped in 9 points for the Golden Tigers.

Blue Mountain was led by Madison McCreless' 13 points.

The victory gave the Golden Tigers their fourth straight win as well as their second conference win.

"I am very proud of how our team has played today," said head coach Kris Stewart. "We are improving each game and I thought tonight we played a complete game. Getting our second conference win this early is so important and I am so pleased with the way we are playing together."

The Golden Tigers (4-2 overall, 2-0 conference) continue their early conference slate when they travel to Mobile, Alabama to face Spring Hill College on Friday.