Brenau Defeats Columbia 67-51; Secures First Conference Win

Gainesville, Georgia- The Brenau basketball team used a balanced attack to defeat Columbia (S.C.) College 67-51 to win its first Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) contest this season on Tuesday.

The Golden Tigers jumped out to an early first quarter lead behind a blistering 62% shooting from the field. Junior Nyla Moore and senior Tyleia Williams led the early attack with eleven combined points in the period to give the home team a 21-14 lead.

In the second quarter, the shooting cooled as the Golden Tigers struggled to find their early game rhythm. After Columbia’s Aa’brena Keitt made a layup to cut the Brenau lead to 23-16, Williams answered with a  three pointer from the corner to increase the lead back to ten points. Back-to-back buckets by Moore gave the Golden Tigers a 32-20 lead late in the period.

In the second half, the visiting Koalas continued to try and cut into the deficit, but Brenau answered every challenge. Freshman Anna Gliatta nailed two consecutive three pointers in the third period, while Williams continued her strong performance with eight points in the quarter.

In the final stanza, Columbia cut the deficit to 52-41 with 7:45 remaining, but sophomore Jill Pittman poured in all eight of her points in the period to help the home team secure the victory.

Tyleia Williams led all scorers with 16 points and pulled down a career-high 10 rebounds, while Anna Gliatta posted 14 points, including three three pointers. Nyla Moore added 14 points and sophomore post Kayla Stafford had 8 points and six rebounds.

Carnasia Weills led  Columbia with 14 points. 

The Brenau defense held Columbia to 26% shooting in the win.

Brenau (2-1 overall, 1-1 AAC) next travels to Bluefield (Va.) College (0-4 overall, 0-2 AAC) in an Appalachian Athletic Conference on Saturday at 1:00 pm.