Brenau Drops SSAC Game to SWU

The Brenau Golden Tigers dropped a second consecutive loss to the Southern Wesleyan Warriors by a final score of 75-62.

After leading 34-33 at the half, the second half saw the Golden Tigers' offense sputter. Combined with Brenau's poor shooting, Southern Wesleyan shot a blistering 59% from the field in the second half to stretch their lead to 20 points.

Brenau made a run, applying full-court pressure, and forcing the Warriors into back-to-back turnovers. Back-to-back baskets by juniors Raven Crawford (Toccoa, Ga.) and Tala Black (Marietta, Ga.) started a 10-3 run for the Golden Tigers. An assisted basket from Anastasia Minaeva (Moscow, Russia) to senior forward Nikki Reed (Atlanta, Ga.) helped cut the deficit to 8 points with just over three minutes to play. However, the comeback was denied as the Warriors hit several contested shots to seal the win.

Coach Kris Stewart noted that "Southern Wesleyan deserves a lot of credit for shooting the ball well. We didn't shoot well throughout the game, and that was the difference. We have had back-to-back games where we have shot the ball poorly and we have not had a shooting slump since early in the season. When teams get into an offensive slump, sometimes it is hard to get back on track. I have full confidence in this team and believe that we will get back on track."

Southern Wesleyan shot 52% from the floor for the game, compared to 39% for the Golden Tigers. Brenau had three players, Black, Gabby Harvey (Lilburn, Ga.) and Brittney Wiley (Royston, Ga.), tied as high scorers at 10 points each. Reed chipped in 9 points and 4 rebounds. Lauren Johnson led the Warriors with a game high 17.

Brenau hits the hardwood on Tuesday, traveling to Brunswick to face conference newcomer Coastal Georgia. The loss drops Brenau to 10-9 on the season and 1-7 in conference play.