Box Score Photo Taken By: Jake Ryan
NEWBERG, Ore. --- Justine Benner scored 22 points to lift the No. 4 Bruins over California Lutheran in a nail-biting 71-69 victory on Friday night, as the Bruins kicked off their 2015-16 season with a huge win.
Recap:
The Regals came out of the gate swinging, knocking down shot after shot to take a seven point lead after the first six minutes in the opening quarter. That lead grew to 10 at one point in the second quarter, but the Bruins stepped up their feisty defense and mounted a 13-2 run to take their second lead of the game, 30-29. The Regals went into the half up by four, 36-32.
In the start of the third quarter, both teams went back-and-forth, but it was the Bruins who held a consistent lead, keeping the Regals at an arm's length. The fourth quarter started off on a slow note, as either team couldn't find the basket in the first two minutes, but that would quickly change later on in the game. The Bruins held a comfortable 10 point lead at the 4:23 mark, but all of that would change as the Regals scored seven-straight points to cut the lead to, 64-61. With the game clock showing one minute on the board, the fans started to get into the game as both teams put on a show.
After two big free throws by Regal' Haley Hodgson, and a three by Jessica Salottolo, the game became just a one point lead for the Bruins. Justine Benner earned herself a trip to the free throw line with 13 seconds left in the game, and knocked both in to give the Bruins a three point edge, 69-66. The Regals drew up and executed the perfect play to get Trianna Owen open, who knocked down the tying three with six seconds left. The Bruins got the ball in the hands of Kimberly Frost after a quick 30-second timeout. She quickly went to work, driving the lane and floating a shot over her defenders arms to ignite the crowd and give the Bruins the win in dramatic fashion.
Top Performers:
Benner finished her night with 22 points on 7-14 shooting with six rebounds, four assists and three steals. She is six points away from eclipsing 1,000 points in her career as a Bruin. She can climb to 14th all-time in career points with eight points and 13th all-time with 13 in the Bruins next game. Kaitlin Jamieson had an excellent night for the Bruins recording 16 points, which is a new career-high for the sophomore. She also brought down four rebounds. Sammy Naluai was two points shy of tying her career-high of 17 points with 15, going 3-5 from the 3-point line. She tied with Benner on rebounds with six and recording four steals. The Bruins forced the Regals into 24 turnovers, while tallying 15 steals on the night.
What Comes Next:
The Bruins will host Corban College on Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m.
