Basketball Wins Third Straight Game
The Brenau basketball team used a strong first half and clutch foul shooting down the stretch to hang on for their seventh win of the season in a 65-60 win over Columbia International (S.C.) University on Monday.
In the first half, the Golden Tigers came out blazing hot as junior Claire Zimmerman (JR/Woodstock, Ga.) knocked down two early three pointers,while fellow junior Anikee Combee (JR/Jonesboro, Ga.) added to the offensive outburst with five early points of her own.
The Golden Tigers continued their strong run as Kalin Williams (JR/Palmetto, Ga.) found post Nekeia Brown (SO/Danielsville, Ga.) for a bucket to increase the lead to 36-17 with less than two minutes to play in the first half.
However, back-to-back Brenau turnovers led to a six point run for Rams in the last minute of the half to make the score 38-23 going into the intermission.
In the second half, the Ram offense came out on fire, scoring the first eight points to cut the deficit to 38-31. Maegan Kenimer (SO/Gainesville, Ga.) scored off a Combee assist to hold the Rams at bay, but Columbia International continued to stay close throughout the period.
After a Ram basket to cut the Golden Tiger lead to three points with three minutes to go, Tori Alfredsson (SO/Flowery Branch, Ga.) scored on a driving layup to increase the lead back to five.
With 10 seconds remaining, the Golden Tigers led 63-60 as the Rams missed a contested three pointer that would have sent the game into overtime. Autumn Dodson (FR/Jefferson City, Tenn.) came down with the rebound and was immediately fouled. The freshman, who leads the SSAC in free throw shooting percentage, nailed both of her foul shots to secure the win.
"In the first half, we played beautiful offense," said head coach Kris Stewart. "However, we couldn't sustain our momentum and played flat in the second half. Columbia International continued to attack and we didn't match their intensity. However, we made enough plays down the stretch to win".
Zimmerman led the Golden Tigers with 13 points, while Williams added 13 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Combee finished with 11 points and five rebounds, while Kenimer chipped in with seven points.
Raven Fleming led all scorers with 17 points for Columbia International.
Brenau (7-6, 3-3 SSAC) gets back to the SSAC slate on Saturday when the Golden Tigers travel to Middle Georgia State College for a 2 pm tip