Basketball Slips By Reinhardt

A strong first half shooting and clutch free throws late in the game propelled the Brenau Golden Tigers basketball team over Reinhardt University 71-67 on Tuesday.

In the first half, the Golden Tiger started slowly as the Eagles jumped out to a 7-0 lead. However, the Brenau offense soon heated up as Jasmine Butler (Gainesville, Ga.) hit two early three pointers to cut into the Reinhardt lead. The hot shooting continued as Brittney Wiley (Royston, Ga.) and Quinnesha Turner (Winterville, Ga.) added three pointers of their own to give the Golden Tigers a commanding lead. An offensive rebound and put back by Jasmine Williams (Palmetto, Ga.) topped off the strong first half as Brenau took a 38-28 lead into the half.

In the second half, Reinhardt found their offensive rhythm, going on an 11-0 run in the first two minutes to take a one point lead. For the remainder of the second half, neither team could take command as the margin stayed at three points or less. With less than two minutes remaining, Butler scored off a fast break to give the Golden Tigers a 68-66 lead. Reinhardt answered with a bucket of their own to tie up the score at 68-68 with less than a minute to play. Sophomore Kalin Williams (Palmetto, Ga.) was fouled with 28 seconds left and hit two free throws to give the Golden Tigers a 70-68 lead. Brenau clamped down on defense and forced a jump ball with four seconds remaining to seal the win.

Butler led the Golden Tigers with a season-high 24 points. Wiley added 11 points and six assists, while senior Anela Durmic (Grayson, Ga.) chipped in seven points. Jasmine Williams scored six points and seven rebounds, while Kalin Williams contributed nine points and six rebounds.

Reinhardt was led by Taylor Johnson's game-high 25 points.

The Golden Tigers (5-4 overall, 2-2 in SSAC) shot a blistering 57% in the first half and 8-16 from three point range for the game.

Brenau hits the hardwood on Friday when they host Clearwater Christian College at 5 pm.