Defense Propels Golden Tigers Past Milligan

Fueled by a 25 point first quarter, the Brenau basketball team defeated Milligan (TN) College 66-61 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play on Thursday in Gainesville.

In the first quarter, the Golden Tigers opened the game by forcing eight early turnovers to fuel an early 17-3 run. The run continued into the second quarter as back-to-back baskets by Kaylyn Brooks and Lia Thomas kept the lead at 15, then a three pointer by Autumn Dodson gave Brenau lead their largest of the game at 20-23.

After maintaining a double-digit lead throughout the third quarter and late into the fourth quarter, the Brenau offense sputtered late as Milligan responded with a 10-0 run to cut their deficit to 62-61. However, two free throws by Autumn Dodson with 12 seconds remaining sealed the win for the home team.

"We played really well for three and a half quarters, but got flat in the fourth quarter," said head coach Kris Stewart. "However, our players never panicked and found a way to finish the game by playing together."

"Getting a win over a very good Milligan team was crucial and our defense really carried us through the game."

Dodson led Brenau with 18 points, while fellow senior Jasmine Knight posted 11 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists. Lia Thomas added 11 points, 7 rebounds and 6 steals, while Carmen Garcia-Pitarch Lopez added 7 points.

The Buffaloes' Sarah Robinson added a game-high 28 points and 11 rebounds.

Brenau (10-3 overall, 6-3 AAC) next travel to face Bryan College (11-5 overall, 8-2 AAC) on Saturday at 2 pm.