Tigers Halt Losing Skid

Gainesville, Ga - Freshmen Tatiana Khudiakova (Moscow, Russia) and Brittney Wiley (Royston) tied for high point honors tonight with 15 each to help lead the Brenau basketball team (10-7, 2-4) to a much needed win over Columbia (5-11, 1-5) by a score of 63-54. Khudiakova also had a season high seven assists as the Tigers halted a four-game losing streak with the victory.

Sophomore Captain Gabby Harvey returned to action and scored eight points, pulled down seven rebounds, and had four assists to go with three steals. Freshman Tala Black came off the bench to score 13 points, including several key baskets down the stretch.

Brenau came out of the gate early and built a 15 point lead before the Koalas mounted a charge of their own to close the gap to 30-24 by halftime. The Tigers forced 28 turnovers with their pressure defense, which was a major factor in the outcome since Brenau only connected on 9 of 29 three point shots and 6 of 16 from the free throw line. For the game, BU shot .375 from the field while Columbia shot .400. The Koalas outrebounded the Tigers 39-32.

"We played well at times, but kept letting them back in the game," said Coach Gary Bays. "Fortunately, our defense forced a lot of turnovers and we were able to get some transition baskets. We have to shoot the ball better if we hope to play in the post-season."

Brenau will travel to Emmanuel on Saturday in another important SSAC contest.