Balance Leads Basketball Past Faulkner 73-66

The Brenau basketball team used a balanced attack and solid defense to defeat Faulkner (Ala.) University 73-66 in Southern States Athletic Conference play on Thursday in Gainesville.

After a competitive 17-15 first quarter, a Faith Legate jumper allowed Faulkner to even the score at 23-23 in the second quarter. However, Claire Zimmerman found fellow senior Kalin Williams for an open three to give the Golden Tigers a 26-23 lead.

On the ensuing possession, Faulkner's Kylie Moore scored to cut the Brenau lead to 26-25, but the Golden Tiger defense clamped down, holding the visiting Eagles scoreless over the next 4:37. Autumn Dodson nailed a three pointer with 25 seconds left in the period to give Brenau a 36-26 lead at halftime.

In the third quarter, Brenau kept Faulkner at bay, increasing the lead to as many as 15. However, the Eagles responded in the fourth quarter with a five point run with just under two minutes remaining to cut the lead to three. With 1:13 remaining, however, Briah Woods knocked down two free throws to secure the game.

"This was a very good team win," said head coach Kris Stewart. "We had good performances from the entire team and they played hard and executed our plan. Conference wins in February are always really nice and this was a very good game for our team late in the season."

Williams led the Golden Tigers with 17 points and six rebounds. Woods added her second consecutive double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Dodson, the SSAC leader in three point percentage, knocked down two threes and added 14 points to the win.

China Leary led Faulkner with 17 points.

Brenau (13-12 overall, 7-9 SSAC) next plays Auburn-Montgomery (Ala.) University on Saturday at 2 pm eastern in Gainesville.