Basketball Slips By Middle Georgia State 56-54

January 13, 2017

The Brenau basketball team used a strong fourth quarter to defeat Middle Georgia State 56-54 in Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) play on Thursday in Cochran.

After a dismal first quarter, the Brenau offense found its stride with a 16-8 second quarter to cut the deficit to 25-24 at the intermission. However, the shooting woes continued for the Golden Tigers in the third quarter as the Knights took a 40-36 lead into the final stanza.

At the 2:20 mark in the fourth quarter, Autumn Dodson hit two free throws to tie the game at 51-51. After a Sydney Haas miss, Jasmine Knight snagged the offensive rebound and scored to give the Golden Tigers their first lead of the game at the 1:32 and allow the Golden Tigers to escape win their ninth game of the season.

"We were very slugging in the opening quarter," said head coach Kris Stewart. "We missed several open layups. However, our bench really kept us in the game. Kaylyn Brooks did an outstanding job offensively and defensively, while Kaelyn Irby, Shymane Callahan and Maddy Zaferatos each contributed to this win."

"We have a strong bench and it was their night to help carry us to a good conference win against a tough opponent."

Briah Woods led Brenau with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Dodson chipped in 11 points. Brooks added a career-high 11 points in the victory.

Shaketa Hodges led Middle Georgia with 20 points.

Brenau (9-5 overall, 2-4 SSAC) continues conference play as the team next travels to William Carey (MS) College on Saturday for a 3 pm eastern game in Hattiesburg.