Basketball Season Ends at SSAC Championships

The Brenau basketball team pushed #3 nationally-ranked Bethel (Tenn.) University, but fell 65-52 in the Southern States Athletic Conference tournament on Wednesday in Montgomery, Alabama.

In the first quarter, the Golden Tigers struggled as the #1 seeded Wildcats jumped out to a 22-10 lead. However Brenau answered with a 12-3 run in the second quarter to cut the deficit to 25-22. Bethel increased the lead to 10 with 2:59 remaining in the quarter but a driving layup by Kaylyn Brooks cut the deficit to eight before the half.

Again the Golden Tigers opened the quarter on a 9-2 run as Kalin Williams scored five points to start the period. Brenau cut the lead to 40-38 on two Dominique Patrick free throws, but Bethel's Cayla Sheets answered with a deep three pointer to extend the lead and help secure the win.

"We played very tight to open the game and that was the difference in the game," said head coach Kris Stewart. "We played the #3 team in the nation even for three quarters and I am very proud of how hard my team competed. This group has accomplished many things this year and I am grateful for their hard work and effort."

Kalin Williams led all scorers with 13 points and six rebounds, while Patrick had 11 points and five assists. Jasmine Williams added four points and eleven rebounds.

Brenau finishes the season with an overall 16-14 record (7-10 SSAC), the best record for the program since 2009-2010, and its first SSAC tournament win ever.