Basketball Rolls Past Webber

The Brenau basketball team used strong second and fourth quarters to defeat visiting Webber (Fla.) International University 79-67 on Saturday in Gainesville.

After getting down 7-0 to start the game, Kalin Williams scored on a three point play to cut into the Webber lead. Both teams continued to trade baskets until the end of the quarter when a Briah Woods jumper gave the Golden Tigers a 16-15 lead.

In the second period, Webber took the lead 21-20, but Quinnesha Turner made two free throws to give Brenau a 23-21 lead. With six seconds in the half, Turner found Autumn Dodson in the corner for a three-pointer for a 35-24 halftime score.

Webber opened the third quarter with an 18-6 run over the first six minutes to take the lead 42-41. Forward Anikee Combee answered for the Golden Tigers with a driving layup to make the score 43-42, while fellow senior Myka Lightfoot scored off a Turner assist to help maintain the lead at 45-42. After losing the lead again, 46-45, Turner again found Dodson for a late three-pointer to give Brenau a 48-46 lead to end the period.

In the fourth quarter, the Golden Tigers found their offensive rhythm, steadily increasing their lead. At the six minute mark, Claire Zimmerman found Woods for a baseline jumper to give Brenau their largest lead of the game at 64-52. Brenau continued to increase the lead as Dodson found Nekeia Brown to make the score 74-56 and secure the game.

Brenau was led by Kalin Williams' 17 points, while Dodson added 14. Woods added 10 points and nine rebounds. Webber was led by Mar'Lisa Braxton's 17 points.

"This game showed our depth and how much we have improved as a team," said head coach Kris Stewart. "Our starters were in foul trouble consistently and our bench really kept us in the game. We are improving each week and we should be proud of winning against a very athletic Webber team."

The Golden Tigers shot 43% (20-50) from the floor, while the Warriors shot 30% (23-76) on the afternoon.

Brenau (3-1) starts SSAC play on Thursday against Blue Mountain (Miss.) College at 5:30 eastern in Gainesville.