Strong First Quarter Propels Basketball Past CIU 67-58

Columbia, South Carolina- A big first quarter run and a solid defense performance helped the Brenau basketball team defeat Columbia International University 67-58 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play on Saturday.

The Golden Tigers opened the game with a strong first quarter behind solid offensive play as freshman Nyla Moore started the run with a driving layup. Junior post Xian Lopez hit a short jumper to increase the early lead to 12-9, then Lopez found sophomore Katherine Fourie for a three pointer to make the score 15-9. After Fourie added a layup to the run, Lopez again found the mark to make the score 19-9 after the end of the first quarter.

The Golden Tigers held the lead throughout the second quarter to lead 33-21 going into intermission.

The host Rams came out strong in the third quarter with an 18-3 run to take the lead 39-37 at the 4:55 mark. However, junior Tyleia Williams scored four consecutive points to help Brenau regain the lead at 41-39. The Golden Tigers held the lead from that point forward, increasing the margin by as many as eleven points, to cruise to victory.

Williams led all scorers with 15 points and 10 rebounds for her second consecutive double-double. Moore added 11 points and six rebounds, while senior Tatyiana McClendon added 10 points and seven rebounds. Fourie also chipped in eleven points.

Zion Neat led CIU with 14 points and 15 rebounds.

The Golden Tigers defense held fast as the squad outshot the Rams 37.9% to 28.6% from the floor.

The win was the third consecutive victory for the Golden Tigers and the second over CIU after previously defeating the Rams 80-71 in their early February matchup.

Brenau (7-8 overall, 7-8 AAC) next hosts Kentucky Christian University (4-8 overall, 4-8 AAC) on Monday at 5 pm in Gainesville.