Basketball Storms Past Union 86-51

The Brenau basketball team used a 30-point first quarter to race past Union (Ky.) College 86-51 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play on Saturday in Gainesville.

In the first quarter, the Brenau offense opened the game on a 9-0 run as guard Autumn Dodson nailed two three-pointers to start the scoring flurry. Union responded with a put back by Katrina Johnson to cut the lead to 12-7, but a three-pointer at the end of the quarter by Sydney Haas put the home team ahead 30-15.

After taking a 41-27 lead into halftime, the Golden Tigers went on a 14-4 run to start the third quarter to take a commanding 55-31 lead. The lead continued to grow in the fourth quarter as the squad went on another run. Five quick points from Kaylyn Brooks started the scoring, then a reverse layup from Carmen Garcia-Pitarch Lopez extended the lead to 32. Late in the fourth quarter, back-to-back baskets by Emily Mote increased the lead to 38- the largest of the game.

"This was our most complete performance to date," said head coach Kris Stewart. "I was pleased with our defensive positioning, how well the ball moved and our unselfish play. All of our players contributed in multiple areas and it showed in the result."

Dodson led all scorers with 27 points on 9-16 shooting (7-10 3pt range), while Kaylyn Brooks posted 15 points, seven assists and eight steals. Jasmine Knight added 11 points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Carmen Garcia-Pitarch Lopez posted seven points, five rebounds and five assists.

Katrina Johnson led the Bulldogs with eight points.

Brenau (11-5 overall, 7-5 AAC) next travels to Truett-McConnell College (3-15 overall, 1-12 AAC) on Tuesday at 5:30 pm. In their earlier season matchup, the Golden Tigers defeated the Bears 66-47 in Gainesville.