Rally Comes Up Short in 71-67 Loss to CIU

Gainesville, Georgia- The Brenau basketball team had a valiant second half comeback but again came up just short in a 71-67 loss to Columbia International (SC) University in Appalachian Athletic Conference play on Saturday.

After the host Rams took a 40-28 lead into halftime, the Golden Tigers responded with a strong third quarter as the home team outscored the visitors 20-13 to cut the deficit to only 53-48 going into the final frame.

Sophomore Kait McCarter and freshman Jill Pittman led the comeback as both players scored six points in the third quarter and the Golden Tigers' defense also held the Rams to only 25% shooting in the period.

In the fourth quarter, senior Xian Lopez scored six points, while fellow senior Shaniya Gause added five points as Brenau kept putting pressure on the visitors. At the 3:18 mark, junior Katherine Fourie hit a deep three pointer to make the score 63-60, however, CIU's Zion Neat answered with a three pointer of her own to extend the lead back to six points. The Golden Tigers threatened over the last three minutes, but came up just short down the stretch.

Gause led Brenau with 10 points, while Fourie added nine points. Junior Jasmin Jackson, sophomore Nyla Moore and Lopez each chipped in eight points.

Madison Hatcher led CIU with 14 points.

Brenau (5-16 overall, 4-16 AAC) next travels to Reinhardt (Ga.) University (12-13 overall, 11-9 AAC) in an Appalachian Athletic Conference matchup on Wednesday at 5:30 pm.