Basketball Slips By Tennessee Wesleyan in Overtime

A furious comeback and a clutch late basket helped the Brenau basketball team defeat Tennessee Wesleyan University 84-82 in overtime in Athens, Tennessee on Tuesday.

The host Bulldogs came out firing, shooting 64% from the floor in the opening two quarters to lead by as much as 17 in the first half. Carmen Garcia-Pitarch Lopez hit a layup to cut the lead to 15, while Kayla Mitchell scored on an offensive put back to cut the lead to 40-27 at the half.

After intermission, the Golden Tigers responded with a resounding 25-9 third quarter to take a three point lead into the fourth period.

In the fourth quarter, neither team could seize control until a four-point play by Autumn Dodson gave the Golden Tigers their largest lead of the game- a seven point lead- with 8:49 remaining. Down the stretch, Tennessee Wesleyan kept the deficit close, and finally cut the Brenau lead to only one point with 11 seconds remaining. Briah Woods was fouled and nailed both free throws to make the score 75-72 with only five seconds remaining. Out of a timeout, Tennessee Wesleyan's sank a three pointer from the corner to tie the game and send it to overtime.

In overtime, the Bulldogs jumped out to a seven point lead, however, baskets by Dominique Patrickand Jasmine Knight helped keep the Golden Tigers close. After tying the game with 30 seconds to go, Brenau held the ball for a final possession. Senior Que Turner hit a driving layup to give Brenau a 2 point lead with four seconds to go to help the visitors escape with a win.

"This was a really hard-fought contest and a good challenge for us," said head coach Kris Stewart. "We struggled in the first half, but really played hard in the second half. Everyone contributed to this win and I think it is speaks to our team chemistry and depth. I also want to give credit to a very good Tennessee Wesleyan team for how hard they pushed us."

Patrick scored a career-high 23 points, while Dodson added 20 points. Knight notched her first double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Woods added 12 points.

Hunter Simpson led Tennessee Wesleyan with a game-high 28 points.

The Golden Tigers shot 48% (28-58) from the floor, including a blistering 65% in the second half, while the Bulldogs shot 51% (33-65) for the game.

Brenau (3-0) next travels to the Southern Wesleyan University Tip-Off Tournament to face St. Augustine (Fla.) at 5:30 pm on Friday in Central, SC.