Comeback Comes Up Short For Basketball Versus Reinhardt

Waleska, Georgia- The Brenau basketball team came up just short after a furious comeback in a 77-65 loss to Reinhardt University in Appalachian Athletic Conference play on Thursday.

After a sluggish first half which led to a 46-30 halftime deficit, the Golden Tigers roared back in the second half as Lia Thomas found Jane Lester for a three-pointer with one second left in the third quarter to cut the score to 57-48.

The Brenau comeback continued as Thomas hit two free throws with 7:37 remaining to make the score 59-55. The host Eagles responded with a six point run to increase the lead back to ten with 5:31 in the game.

Junior guard Celine Vega then hit a three pointer from the left wing to cut the score to 67-60 and then sophomore post Ashanti Brown scored four consecutive points to make the score 67-64 with just under three minutes to play. However, the next four offensive possessions were empty for the Golden Tigers which allowed the Eagles to pull away in the final two minutes and escape with the win.

"I am very proud of our effort on both ends of the floor in the second half," said head coach Kris Stewart. "Our first half energy was disappointing, but the second half showed what we are capable of being. We fought back and had chances to win, but came up just short."

Thomas led Brenau with 19 points, while Vega and Lester each had 11 points.

Reinhardt's Bethany Headrick led all scorers with 28 points.

Brenau next hosts Milligan College in Appalachian Athletic Conference play this Saturday at 2 pm eastern. The Golden Tigers will honor seniors Kaylyn Brooks, Jalyn Brown, Kayla Mitchell, Emily Mote, Madison Phillips and Lia Thomas immediately after the game.