Double-doubles from Bertolini and Stafford not enough as Brenau falters in Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina - The Golden Tigers never fully got going and drop another game in AAC play against Columbia (18-10 overall, 11-10 AAC)

The game was a back-and-forth affair with neither team able to really break free in the first half.  SG Bertolini and Anna Gliatta early foul trouble really hurt Brenau's ability to guard out on the perimeter and Columbia was able to take advantage. The Koala's were able to stretch their four-point halftime lead to nine after three quarters of play. Columbia used a balance attack with four players scoring in double figures and 11 players playing more than 10 minutes. Tysonia Lowe led the Koala's in scoring with 14 points on 8-10 shooting from the foul line. Despite the foul trouble Bertolini produced her first double-double of the season with 14 points, 13 rebounds and four assist. The Koala's balanced attack was able to wear down Brenau's defense and get the key AAC win.

Kayla Stafford, added to her AAC defensive player of the year resume with another double-double her eighth on the season. Stafford finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks. Gliatta led the Golden Tigers in scoring, finishing the night with 16 points in the losing effort. Stafford, Isabella Evangelista and Taylor Williams will finish their college careers on Saturday.

Along with Lowe, Layla Wall and Makayla Street led the Koalas with 13 points and 12 points respectively in the victory.

Brenau (7-19 overall, 6-15 AAC) will close out the season as they host league leading Milligan (TN) (20-7 overall, 18-3 AAC) on Saturday. Tip-off is at 2:00 pm eastern.