In the last regular season home game, the Bob Jones University women’s basketball team defeated the visiting Southern Wesleyan University Warriors 53-50.
In one of the most memorable games of the season, junior guard Kendra Jeffcott became the first women’s basketball player at BJU to score 1,000 career points.
The first half started off slowly as both teams struggled to find baskets. The Bruins shot just 20.7 percent from the field. The Warriors fared no better against the Bruins’ stiff defense, recording only 16.1 percent.
To begin the night, Jeffcott was just 14 points away from the 1,000-point mark and recorded eight points in the first half. At halftime, the score was just 20-13, in favor of Bob Jones University.
In a ceremony at halftime, seniors Faith Henry, Abby Conover and Kourtney Hoefler were recognized for their hard work and dedication. Each of the players has been uniquely important in the foundation of the Bruins program.
The second half of the game featured a completely different style of basketball. Both teams came out pushing the ball more in transition, and the Bruins began to hit their shots.
BJU pushed its lead up to 37-16 midway through the second half. The Warriors would not be deterred for long, however, and began to peck away at the lead. Turnovers became a large problem for the Bruins, who committed 22 in the second half alone, allowing Southern Wesleyan back into the game.
With just three minutes on the clock, SWU had chipped away at the lead and trailed by only six. Despite clutch free-throw shooting from junior guard Hannah Tompkins, the Warriors trimmed the lead down to one with less than a minute remaining.
Guard Maggi Ford intercepted the Warriors’ last-chance heave, securing the 53-50 win for BJU.
Overall, the Bruins shot 50 percent from the field. The high shooting percentage and clutch free throws down the stretch allowed them to edge out the Warriors for their last home game win.
Kendra Jeffcott recorded her 1,000th career point at the 9:45 minute mark in the second half on a short floater in the key. Play was stopped, and her congratulatory teammates mobbed her in celebration of her feat. Jeffcott finished the game with nine rebounds to accompany her 15 points.
With this win, the Bruins finish the regular season with a 17-13 record overall, including a 3-3 conference record.
Next up for the Bruins is the NCCAA South Regional Tournament next weekend at Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina.
Stay tuned to bjubruins.com for further scheduling information.
