Tigers Tame Lions in Crucial SSAC Win

The Brenau Golden Tigers basketball team defeated the Emmanuel College Lions 60-46 in Franklin Springs, GA in the second meeting of the teams.

From the opening tip, the Golden Tigers set the pace, jumping out to a 19-6 lead. Two early three pointers by Sarah Ward (Elberton, Ga.) and two strong put backs by Nikki Reed (Atlanta, Ga.) kept the Lions at a distance. Hot shooting from Brittney Wiley (Elberton, Ga.) also contributed as she scored 13 first half points.

Rebounding was also a factor as the nation's leading rebounder, Gabby Harvey (Lilburn, Ga.), and junior guard Anela Durmic (Loganville, Ga.) pulled down ten combined rebounds in the first half to help take a 36-17 lead.

In the second half, Brenau continued the solid play, scoring consistently to keep the lead. Combining for 44 total points, with 25 coming in the second half, the duo of Wiley and Harvey never allowed the Lions to get within 12 points of the Golden Tiger lead.

Coach Kris Stewart said that, "This was a complete team effort. Our effort, rebounding and especially our defense were keys to the game. We had some nice statistical efforts from Brittney Wiley, Sarah Ward and Gabby Harvey, but I thought Tala Black played excellent defense, and our post defenders-Raven Crawford, Jasmyn Farmer, Nikki Reed and Olivia Williams really battled. I am very proud of our focus and effort tonight".

Brenau was led by Wiley's 24 points on 6-8 shooting, including 4-5 from 3 point range and 8-8 from the foul line. Harvey added 20 points and 16 rebounds to give her 16 double-doubles for the year. Emmanuel was led by Kaylyn Young's 15 points.

The Golden Tigers travel to Mount Vernon, Ga. on Thursday to face Brewton Parker College. Tip off is at 6 pm.