Basketball Opens SSAC Play with a Win

The Brenau basketball team used a balanced attack to defeat Blue Mountain (Miss.) College 71-62 in the opening game of Southern States Athletic Conference play on Thursday in Gainesville.

After an even 17-17 first quarter, Blue Mountain jumped out to a 26-20 lead with eight minutes remaining in the second quarter. Quinnesha Turner scored on a three-point play to cut the lead to 26-23, and then Turner assisted on a Kalin Williams driving layup to even the score.

In the second half, the Golden Tigers used a fast start to jump out to a 10 point lead. After a Turner missed free throw, Briah Woods grabbed the offensive rebound and scored to make the score 40-34. Dominique Patrick then knocked down an open 15 footer for a 42-34 lead, and then assisted on a Jasmine Williams basket on the ensuing possession to increase the score to 44-34. Brenau held the lead throughout the fourth quarter to secure their first SSAC win of the season.

Turner and Kalin Williams led the Golden Tigers with 15 points each. Woods added 12, while Patrick added seven points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Bryana Davis led Blue Mountain with a game-high 23 points.

"It was really nice to win our opening SSAC game," said head coach Kris Stewart. "This is a tough conference, so every win is important."

"I am pleased with our rebounding and all-around team play and I think we are improving each game."

Brenau (4-1, 1-0 SSAC) next hosts SSAC opponent William Carey (Miss.) College at 2 pm eastern on Saturday. William Carey opened their SSAC slate on Thursday with a 51-41 win over Middle Georgia State College.