Hot Shooting First Quarter Leads Basketball Past CIU

Columbia, South Carolina- The Brenau basketball team used a strong first quarter to defeat Columbia International University 63-52 in Appalachian Athletic Conference on Tuesday.

With the game tied 9-9 with 4:43 in the first quarter, the Golden Tigers closed the period on a 12-0 run break open the game. Celine Vega nailed a three-pointer from the top of the key to start the rally, and then Dyiesha Brown made one of two free throws to increase the lead to four points. Ashanti Brown added three consecutive free throws of her own to stretch the lead to six, then a Maddy Zaferatos jumper made the score 18-9. Zaferatos then found Kierra Knight for an open three pointer to cap off the rally and allow Brenau to cruise to victory.

"We had a very good first half performance," said head coach Kris Stewart. "Kierra Knight and Celine Vega shot well and Maddy Zaferatos really gave us an offense boost in the first quarter. Lia Thomas had some key steals and rebounds and it was nice to get Ashanti Brown back from injury."

"Our team is improving each game and it is starting to show on both ends of the court."

Knight posted career-highs with 11 points and six rebounds, while Vega posted 12 points and three assists. Lia Thomas chipped in eight points and eight rebounds and Jane Lester added nine points and four rebounds.

The Rams' Jordan Sprueill led all scorers with 21 points.

Brenau (5-3 overall, 3-2 AAC) next hosts Tennessee Wesleyan University (3-3 overall, 1-3 AAC) on next Wednesday at 5:30 in Gainesville.