Basketball Splits in SSAC Play

In the final two SSAC contests of the season, the Brenau basketball team dropped a close loss to Coastal Georgia 73-70 on Thursday, but rallied to defeat Brewton Parker (Ga.) College 70-52 on Saturday.

Against Coastal Georgia, the Golden Tigers went inside in the first half as 20 of their first 34 points came in the paint. Sophomore post Nekeia Brown led the charge with seven points and seven rebounds in the first half, while fellow sophomore Maegan Kenimer added six first half point. Forward Briah Woods also added six points in the period to give the Golden Tigers a 34-31 lead.

In the second half, Brenau held the lead the entire half until the final minute as the Mariners took the lead on two foul shots from Gabby O'Sullivan. The Golden Tigers had a chance to take the lead with 30 seconds to play, but were unable to convert.

"This was a tough loss," said head coach Kris Stewart. "We played well for 38 minutes and really executed our game plan, but let the lead slip late."

Brown led the Golden Tigers with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Kalin Williams added 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Kenimer added 12 points.

Olivia Melvin led the Mariners with a game-high 18 points.

Against Brewton Parker, the Golden Tigers used a balanced attack in the first half as eight players scored in the opening period.

After back to back baskets by Williams, forward Anikee Combee added a three pointer from the wing to give Brenau an early 10 point lead. Sophomore Carly Kluttz added a short jumper from the wing to help give the Golden Tigers a 31-24 lead at the break.

The hot shooting continued as Brown started the half with back-to-back baskets to increase the lead to 35-24, then junior Claire Zimmerman buried a corner three pointer to make the score 38-24.

The Golden Tigers continued the attack as baskets from freshman Autumn Dodson and Alyssa Nichelson gave Brenau a 21 point lead at the 13 minute mark.

"I thought we had a great team win today," said Stewart. "We've had such a tough year with injuries and close losses, and it was nice to end the season with a win. We have grown so much and all of our players have gotten good experience. I'm really looking forward to seeing what we can do next year"

Brenau shot 25-51 (49%) for the game, while Brewton Parker managed only 20-65 (31%).

Williams led all scorers with 13 points and nine rebounds, while Brown added 10 points and five rebounds.