Golden Tigers Slip By Lions

An all-around team effort propelled the Brenau University Golden Tigers past the Emmanuel (Ga.) College Lions 59-57 on Thursday.

In a very tight game, neither team seized control early as both defenses played well. Senior guard Brittney Wiley nailed a three pointer to keep pace, while freshman Maegan Kenimer scored off an assist from Anikee Combee to take an early lead. Both teams went back and forth trading baskets for most of the first half. Just before halftime, Emmanuel scored on a fast break layup to go up 25-23, but freshman Quinnesha Turner dropped in a layup to tie the game 25-25 going into intermission.

The second half stayed as close for about ten minutes with neither team taking more than a two point lead. With ten minutes remaining, the Lions seized control of the game, going on a 7-0 run to take a seven point lead. However, back to back three-pointers by Jasmine Butler cut the deficit to one. With less than three minutes to play, Turner scored on two consecutive possessions to tie up the game at 55-55. On the next possession, Emmanuel missed a driving layup, and Turner hit a hanging floater to give Brenau a two point lead. With the score 57-55, the Lions missed another layup and freshman Nekeia Brown seized the rebound and was fouled. Brown missed both free throws and the Lions took possession with five seconds remaining. Emmanuel got an open three pointer to win the game, but the shot went wide.

"This was a great team win," said head coach Kris Stewart. "We played very hard and very well together tonight. We had some nice performances from three freshmen- Nekeia Brown, Maegan Kenimer and Quinnesha Turner- but also a solid effort from the entire team. This was a good win for us and I am proud of the way we came together against a very good Emmanuel team".

Butler led Brenau with 13 points and 11 rebounds, securing her ninth double-double of the year. Wiley and Brown each added 11 points, while Wiley chipped in 10.

Ashley Skelton led Emmanuel with 10 points.

Brenau (12-15, 7-12) will close out the regular season on Saturday at 2 pm by honoring their graduating players on Senior Day versus Brewton Parker (Ga.) College.