Offense Struggles Against Union in AAC Play

Barbourville, Kentucky- The Brenau basketball team fell to Union College 69-40 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play on Thursday.

In the first quarter, the host Bulldogs came out on fire, shooting a blistering 54% from the floor, including 57% from three point range to jump out to a 25-8 lead. The Golden Tigers failed to respond to the early barrage, shooting a woeful 13 % in the first half. The offensive drought continued into the second half as Union kept on the pressure to extend the lead to 49-14 at the half.

In the third quarter, Brenau finally found their rhythm as Dyiesha Brown grabbed an offensive rebound and kicked it out to Madison Phillips for her first three pointer of the game. On the ensuing possession, Lia Thomas drove the lane and found Phillips again for her second consecutive three point shot. After a Union bucket, Celine Vega then nailed a three pointer to continue the run. However, the run was too late as Union kept the Golden Tigers at bay to close out the win.

"We came out flat and didn't play sharp basketball in the first half," said head coach Kris Stewart. "Union also opened the game on fire, but throughout our offensive struggles, we've been a really good defensive team and we weren't locked in from the beginning. In the third quarter we outscored Union 15-7 and played up to our expectations, but we need to be able to sustain that level of play through four quarters."

Phillips led Brenau with eight points, while Brown and Tiara Ellis each had five points.

Brooke Hammonds led Union with 14 points.

Brenau returns home to face Montreat College in an Appalachian Athletic Conference matchup on Saturday at 2 pm.