Golden Tigers Overwhelm Toppers

January 30, 2015

A balanced offensive attack and hot shooting propelled the Brenau basketball team past visiting SSAC opponent Blue Mountain (Miss.) College 85-74 on Thursday.

The first half was all Brenau as the Golden Tigers stormed out early with hot shooting and strong defense. Junior Claire Zimmerman (JR/Woodstock, Ga.) nailed two early three-pointers to set the tone for the half, while sophomore Carly Kluttz (SO/Gastonia, NC) added a three-pointer of her own to increase the early lead. After a late driving layup from Anikee Combee (JR/Jonesboro, Ga.), the Golden Tigers took a commanding 43-26 lead into the half.

In the second half, the Toppers inched their way back into the game as a Kristen Milewski three-pointer at the 12:27 mark cut the Brenau lead to 55-53. Back to back baskets by Briah Woods (SO/Acworth, Ga.) and a follow up three-pointer by Williams increased the lead to 62-55. At 6:51, Blue Mountain got the score back to 63-60 off a Chelsey Lawhon basket, but freshman Autumn Dodson (FR/Jefferson City, Tenn.) knocked down consecutive threes, followed by a third three-pointer by Zimmerman to hold off the visiting team.

"This was our most complete game this season," said head coach Kris Stewart. "Our team was focused and everyone contributed in this game. We played outstanding defense in the first half and really moved the ball well on offense. Blue Mountain is a very tough opponent, so I am proud that we could play through their runs to get the win".

Dodson led the Golden Tigers with 20 points, five rebounds and four assists. Williams added 15 points, while Woods recorded her second double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Zimmerman added 11 to the balanced attack, while Nekeia Brown (SO/Danielsville, Ga.) added nine points and nine rebounds.

Milewski led Blue Mountain with 20 points.

The Golden Tigers shot a season high 51%, including a blistering 9-16 (56%) from three-point range, while the Toppers were 36% from the floor and 10-30 (33%) from three.

Brenau (9-9 overall, 4-5 SSAC) next hosts #5 Bethel (Tenn.) University on Saturday at 2 pm.