AUM Runs Past Brenau

The Brenau basketball team fell 78-55 to Southern States Athletic Conference opponent Auburn-Montgomery (Ala.) University on Saturday in Montgomery.

In the first quarter, Brenau started well as Dominique Patrick knocked down an open jumper, and then scored off of an offensive put back to tie the score at 12-12. After a small run by Auburn-Montgomery, Brenau answered as Anikee Combee finished a layup to end the quarter down 23-15.

The second quarter was also hotly contested as AUM jumped out on another run as back to back baskets by Regotta Craig increased the lead to 15. However, Brenau responded as layups by Nekeia Brown and Briah Woods cut the lead to 11. After two straight defensive stops, sophomore Autumn Dodson hit a three-pointer to cut the deficit to eight. However, AUM's Jatoria Carter nailed a half-court shot right before the buzzer to increase the lead to 39-28.

After the intermission, the Golden Tigers couldn't find their rhythm as the squad hit a cold streak. The Warhawks took advantage, outscoring Brenau 23-8 in the period to take a commanding 62-36 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Brenau settled down and found their rhythm as Kalin Williams scored nine points in the period to cut into the deficit. However the run wasn't enough as the Warhawks held off the momentum to secure the win.

"We were playing well in the first half and momentum was on our side," said head coach Kris Stewart. "However, the half-court shot before the break really changed the tide and we didn't respond well in the third quarter. AUM is a very good team and you can't have a bad quarter. We will learn from this and keep improving down the stretch."

Williams led Brenau with 14 points, while Patrick added 10 points and eight rebounds.

Carter led AUM with a game-high 29 points.

Brenau (10-11 overall, 5-8 SSAC) next travels to Coastal Georgia on Thursday for a 5:30 pm tipoff.