Faulkner Slips by Brenau 64-58

The Brenau basketball team rallied in the second half but came up short as Faulkner (Ala.) University slipped by the Golden Tigers 64-58 in a Southern States Athletic Conference matchup on Thursday in Montgomery.

In the first quarter, the Golden Tigers stayed close as Briah Woods knocked down two jumpers early, while Dominique Patrick added four points of her own. Both teams traded baskets throughout the period and neither team led by more than four as the quarter ended in a 17-17 tie.

Faulkner used hot shooting in the second period to gain a 35-26 lead at the break. However in the third quarter, Autumn Dodson nailed three-pointers during a 17-3 run to give Brenau a two point lead late in the period.

In the fourth quarter, both teams battled throughout the period. Dodson's fifth three point basket tied the game at 57-57 with less than three minutes to play. The Eagles responded as Faith Legate scored in the paint to give Faulkner a late 59-57 lead. The Golden Tigers the missed a shot at the rim to tie the game late and the Eagles hit three of four free throws down the stretch to escape with the win.

"In conference play, there is such a small margin of error," said head coach Kris Stewart. "We really rebounded well and got great shots, but struggled to finish the easy ones. During the run in the third quarter we really played good offense, but we have to finish in the fourth quarter."

Dodson led Brenau with 15 points, while Kalin Williams added 11 points, nine rebound and eight assists. Patrick added 10 points and eight rebounds.

Legate led all scorers with 18 points.

Brenau (10-10 overall, 5-7 SSAC) next returns to Montgomery on Saturday to face Auburn-Montgomery University at 2 pm central.