#23 Reinhardt Slips Past Brenau in AAC Play
Gainesville, Georgia- A big first quarter allowed #23 Reinhardt University to slip past the Brenau Golden Tigers basketball team 85-76 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play on Thursday.
The visiting Eagles jumped out to a 21-5 advantage as the Golden Tigers shot 11% (2-18) in the period. However, the home team answered in the second quarter as senior Celine Vega drilled a deep three pointer with 2:30 remaining in the half to cut the score to 30-23.
The Eagles again increased the score to 40-23 on back to back baskets by Amberlee Zeller and Catherine Shope, but consecutive three pointers from Vega and freshman Katherine Fourie narrowed the gap to 40-29 at the break.
In the third quarter, the Golden Tigers rallied with a 7-0 run as junior Hanna Grogan scored five points consecutive points, and senior Dyiesha Brown added a bucket on a driving layup to cut the score to 52-47. The Eagles again closed the period with a 12-6 run to take a thirteen point lead into the fourth quarter.
In the final period, Brenau again made a run as a three pointer from senior Tiara Ellis cut the deficit to 71-64, but the Golden Tigers faded in the final minutes to allow the Eagles to escape with the win.
"Our slow start in the first quarter really hurt us, but credit goes to our team for fighting back," said head coach Kris Stewart. "To score 71 points in the final three quarters against a top-25 team shows our potential, but we need to put that intensity and focus into a full game. I think we are learning every day and this is another step forward."
Brenau was led by Vega's career high 17 points, while Grogan posted 15 points. Sophomore Tamia Francis added 14 points and 5 rebonds, while Fourie notched 10 points.
Reinhardt's Catherine Shope led all scorers with 29 points.
Brenau (6-9 overall, 3-8 AAC) next travels to face Columbia (S.C.) College (3-10 overall, 2-8 AAC) on Saturday at 2 pm. The Golden Tigers previously defeated the Koalas 94-72 in their first meeting earlier in the season.