Seniors Lead Basketball Past Crusaders
On Senior Day, the Brenau basketball team, propelled by strong senior performances, slipped past William Carey (Miss.) University 68-64 in Southern States Athletic Conference play on Saturday in Gainesville.
Seniors Dominique Patrick and Briah Woods combined for 35 points while fellow senior Maegan Kenimer sank two late free throws to help the Golden Tigers win their 16th game of the year.
In the first quarter, senior Quinnesha Turner scored four points, while junior Jasmine Knight also added four points to give the home team a 14-11 lead.
In the second quarter, the Golden Tigers increased their lead behind back-to-back three pointers from Woods and Autumn Dodson to increase their lead to 30-20 at halftime.
After halftime, the Crusaders outscored the Golden Tigers 20-14 in the third quarter to cut their deficit to 44-40 to start the fourth quarter.
At the 7:41 mark of the fourth quarter, William Carey took their largest lead of the game-four points-to make the score 49-45. However, Patrick scored the next six points to help the Golden Tigers regain the lead. The Crusaders' Teshia Jones hit a three pointer with four seconds to cut the Brenau lead to 66-64, but Kenimer knocked down two free throws with three seconds remainding to let Brenau to escape with the win.
"This was a great win for our senior class," said head coach Kris Stewart. "Our seniors showed their experience today against a very good defensive team in William Carey. "
"It is always a delight to get a win on Senior Day and it was nice to be able to do that for our seven seniors."
Patrick led all scorers with 18 points, while Woods added 17 points. Kenimer added six points and nine rebounds and Knight added five points, five rebounds and five assists.
Jada Jones scored 17 points to lead William Carey.
Brenau (16-9 overall, 9-8 SSAC) next hosts Blue Mountain (Miss.) College on Monday at 5:30 eastern.