Big Fourth Quarter Propels Brenau past Montreat 70-64

Gainesville, Georgia- The Brenau basketball team used a big fourth quarter to defeat Montreat (N.C.) College (13-11 overall, 10-10 AAC) in Appalachian Athletic Conference play on Wednesday.

The Golden Tigers posted 24 points in the fourth quarter and hit six of seven free throws down the stretch to hold on for the victory.

After a back and forth battle in the first half, Montreat's Zahria Brown tied the game at 34-34 with 6:55 remaining in the third quarter. The Cavaliers' momentum continued throughout the third period as Taylor Cullen hit a three pointer to increase the lead to 47-38. At the 2:15 mark, Brenau freshman Katherine Fourie hit her first three pointer of the game and then Tamia Francis scored in transition to cut the lead to 47-43. In the final seconds, Fourie hit a driving layup to close out a 7-0 run to make the score 47-46 going into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, senior forward Dyiesha Brown hit a three pointer from the wing to give Brenau a 60-55 lead. The lead held throughout the half until the 2:50 mark when Montreat's Caleigh Raby hit two free throws to cut the lead to 60-59. The Golden Tigers answered with back-to-back baskets by sophomores Xian Lopez and Tyleia Williams to increase the lead to 64-59. In the last twelve seconds the Golden Tigers hit four straight free throws to clinch the win.

Junior post Ashanti Brown led the Golden Tigers with 13 points and seven rebounds, while Tamia Francis added 10 points. Tyleia Williams and Celine Vega each chipped in nine points.

Montreat's Caleigh Raby led all scorers with 20 points.

Brenau (9-14 overall, 6-13 AAC) next hosts Columbia International (S.C.) University (3-18 overall, 2-17 AAC) at 2 pm on Saturday.