Basketball Drops Two SSAC Games

The Brenau basketball team dropped a pair of Southern States Athletic Conference games with a 74-54 loss to Loyola (La.) University and a 72-63 loss to the University of Mobile (Ala.) this past week.

Against Loyola, the Golden Tigers played the Wolfpack to a 12-12 first quarter, but cold shooting from Brenau allowed the host team to a strong 27-6 second quarter for a 39-18 halftime lead. Loyola increased their lead to 56-29 going into the final frame as the Golden Tigers struggled to find their rhythm. In the fourth quarter, Brenau outscored Loyola 25-18, but found their stride too late.

Dominique Patrick scored 14 points, while Myka Lightfoot added a career-high nine points- all in the fourth quarter.

"We played a solid first quarter, but really just didn't find any rhythm or energy in the second quarter," said head coach Kris Stewart.

Against Mobile, the Golden Tigers had a strong offensive second quarter, using a 13-0 run to outscore the Rams 25-15 in the period to take a 37-34 halftime lead. After the intermission, the two teams traded buckets throughout the quarter, until a late three-pointer gave Mobile a 59-53 lead going into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, the game stayed within four points until a late three-pointer by the Rams' Kali Koenig allowed Mobile to slip away with the win.

Kalin Williams added a season-high 22 points on 9-16 shooting, while Autumn Dodson chipped in 10 points.

"We played a very good Mobile team to a very close game," said Stewart. "We had several chances to take the lead late, but missed makeable shots. We are competing against the top teams in the SSAC and I think we have learned a great deal. I fully expect that we will make a strong run during the second half of the season."

Brenau (7-5, 2-2 SSAC) next plays #24 Martin Methodist (Tenn.) College on Thursday at 5:30 in Gainesville.