BRIDGEWATER, Va. - Bridgewater College men's basketball secured the win in an ODAC matchup against Randolph by a final score of 87-76 Wednesday night at home.
The Bridgewater College Eagles (BCE) extended their overall record to an even 6-6 and a 2-1 conference record, as the Randolph College Wildcats (RCW) dropped to 4-8 overall and 0-3 in ODAC play.
How It Happened
With a quiet showing through much of the first half, the Eagles finally got a rhythm going to give them a manageable lead to work heading into the second half.
Through six minutes of action, the Eagles struggled to carry out an efficient offense, but the defense held strong holding off the Wildcats for much of the first 20 minutes. Kyren Smith helped push the Eagles to a five-point lead with a strong take to the rim on an and-one attempt. Smith cashed in the extra point and soon after found himself a sliver of the paint to slip in another lay-in.
The Wildcats shortened the margins for error to end the first half with a four-point deficit at 31-27.
In the final 20 minutes, the Eagles got what they were looking for in their offense, while knocking in short range shots and good looks behind the arc. With three minutes in, BCE jumped to an enormous 11-point lead as Mi'Kis Engram splashed a three. The momentum continued as Carter Palmer contributed to offensive flow pushing the lead to an even stronger edge at 48-34.
The highest lead of the night came when Smith went on a scoring hot streak allowing for an 18-point lead on his 15-point night to take firm control of the game.
In the final four minutes, the Wildcats cut the errors back down and cut the score to just a nine-point game, staying within reach. However, the defense came ready and shut down the offensive set plays to perfection, as the Eagles went on to take the win, 87-76.
Game Notes
Up Next
The Eagles are back in action on Saturday, Jan. 14 at home against nationally recognized Hampden-Sydney. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.
