Bob Jones Women's Basketball loses 62-63 to CIU in home opener

Bruins Fall 63-62 to Columbia International University in Home Opener

The Bob Jones University women’s basketball team dropped a tight 63-62 decision to Columbia International University on Tuesday evening at the Davis Field House in Greenville, South Carolina. With the narrow home-opening loss, the Bruins moved to 1-1 on the season.

The contest began with swift offense from the hosts. Back-to-back buckets by Faith Hayward and a subsequent layup from Keely Price staked the Bruins out to an early 6-0 lead in the first quarter. Columbia International slowly chipped away, finally knotting the score at 12-12 with just over two minutes remaining in the frame. Caitlyn Dickerson answered in the final minute with a three-pointer, restoring a three-point edge for the Bruins before the quarter closed.

Bruins Struggle Offensively as Rams Build Lead

Momentum shifted sharply in the second period. The Bruins struggled to find offensive rhythm, managing only five points while the Rams put up 15 to seize a 27-20 lead heading into intermission.

Out of the halftime break, Columbia International extended its advantage, building an 18-point cushion midway through the third quarter. The Bruins responded with grit, mounting a seven-point run capped by a three-pointer from Hayward that brought the score to 47-37 entering the fourth.

Late Fourth-Quarter Surge Falls Just Short

Price sparked the offense early in the fourth quarter with several key baskets, rousing the home crowd. With 5:40 remaining on the clock, a layup by Kayley Trump pushed the Bruins back ahead at 53-52.

The final minutes proved a tense possession-by-possession battle. The Rams claimed a three-point lead with ten seconds left in regulation. Dickerson drew a foul on a three-point attempt and converted two of her three free throws, but the clock expired with the Bruins trailing by a single point.

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Price paced the Bruins with a double-double, recording 23 points and 11 rebounds. Dickerson, Hayward, and Trump also finished in double figures, adding 13 points apiece.

“There are two big positives from tonight’s game. Our defense overall was great, and we competed like champions,” said Head Coach Mike LeViere.

“We started the game dominating the glass and executing offensively. We didn’t always reward ourselves with made baskets, but we made good decisions and hustled. The second quarter was tough for us. We let them take some really good shots. In the third quarter we had some lapses and gave up some really good looks. CIU made shots, and we got down by 18. The competitive nature for us took over, and we didn’t panic. The team did an awesome job at maintaining composure and concentrated on winning the next play. By the end of the fourth quarter, we had taken the lead. The Rams hit a big three to take the lead, and we still put ourselves in position to tie the game with two seconds left.”

LeViere also highlighted contributions across the roster, pointing to Price fighting through double teams, Trump collecting five steals and eight rebounds, Hayward drawing 11 fouls while shooting 80% from the line, and key minutes from Imani and Jenna.

The Bruins travel to North Carolina for their next matchup, facing Montreat College on Friday, November 6, at 7 p.m.