Balanced Attack Helps Brenau Defeated Bluefield 64-57

Gainesville, Georgia- The Brenau basketball team used a balanced attack to defeat Bluefield (Va.) College 64-57 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play on Saturday.

The Golden Tigers shot a solid 50% from three point range against the Rams' defense and scored 20 points in the fourth quarter to capture the win.

After Brenau jumped out to an 18-11 first quarter lead, the visiting Rams outscored the home team 23-12 in the second quarter to take a 34-30 advantage into the break.

In the third quarter, the Rams increased their lead to 43-37 on two free throws by Haley Turman. The Golden Tigers chipped away as senior guard Carmen Garcia-Pitarch Lopez hit a driving layup, and then sophomore forward Tamia Francis also hit a layup and two free throws to tie the game. The Rams answered right before the end of the quarter with a layup to take a 45-44 lead.

In the final quarter, the Golden Tigers went on a run as junior forward Tatyiana McClendon scored on a putback, then a driving layup by sophomore guard Tyleia Williams increased the lead to four points. Two Francis free throws increased the lead to six, and then junior guard Hanna Grogan nailed a corner three pointer to give the home team a 59-50 lead.

The Golden Tigers maintained that lead for the final 3:14 to clinch the victory.

"I couldn't be more proud of this victory," said head coach Kris Stewart. "We started out locked in and maintained it throughout the game. Our bench players were the key to the game. Some of them didn't show up in the stats, but their energy and impact on the game was obvious."

Francis led Brenau with 13 points, while Grogan posted 12 points and five rebounds. McClendon added nine points, while Katherine Fourie posted nine points. Williams added a season-high seven points.

Kianna Campbell led the Rams with 13 points.

Brenau (8-11 overall, 5-10 AAC) next hosts Truett-McConnell (Ga.) College (11-12 overall, 6-10 AAC) in a conference matchup on Tuesday at 5:30 pm.