Basketball Slips by Truett McConnell for AAC Win

Cleveland, Georgia- The Brenau basketball team used another strong defensive effort to slip past AAC foe Truett McConnell (Ga.) 47-45 on Monday..

The game was a competitive event throughout as both teams battled to eight ties and seven different lead changes throughout the four quarters of play. After being down 11-9 after one quarter, the Brenau offense played a strong second quarter by outshooting the host Bears 15-11 to take a 2 point lead into the break.

In the second half, the teams continued to trade baskets and defensive stops until late in the fourth quarter when junior Anna Gliatta made 1 of 2 free throws for a 46-45 lead. The Golden Tigers extended the lead with six seconds remaining as freshman Ashanti Bowers made 1 of her 2 free throws to make the score 47-45. In the final three seconds, the Bears found Mahalah Stewart for a wide-open jumper, but the shot went long and the Golden Tigers escaped with the win.

Gliatta posted a game-high 16 points, while sophomore point guard S.G. Bertolini posted a well-rounded 7 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks. Junior Kristina Peach nailed three triples for nine points. Reigning AAC Defensive Player of the Week, Kayla Stafford, added 4 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Alexis Brewster and Kaleigh Kelley each scored 12 to lead Truett McConnell (9-11 overall, 6-8 AAC).

Brenau (5-13 overall, 4-9 AAC) next plays host to Tennessee Wesleyan (10-9 overall, 7-7 AAC) on Wednesday. Tip off is at 5:30 pm eastern.  The JV Golden Tigers will also wrap up the regular season with a matchup versus Denmark Tech immediately after the varsity game.