Bruin Boys Hang On to Get Win After Late Crusader Rally and Get Back in the Win Column

February 17, 2022

Head coach Brandon Hodges and the Bruin boys varsity basketball team were at home Wednesday night, hosting the 4-4 St. Mary’s Crusaders who rolled into town riding a four game win streak.

Senior Jake Beaman, #1, starting the Bruin offense, had 5 points in the game.

The Bruins were looking to get back on track with a win after Tuesday’s tough loss to the Cascade Christian Challengers and wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Bruin guards took the ball straight to the basket, breaking out to a 8-2 lead at the midway point of the first period. Bruin guards Josh Serna #34 and Jaren Fronckowiak #4, combined for 11 of the Bruins 17 points in the period as the Bruins took a 17-11 lead after the first period.

Uriel Cortez, #24, driving the lane for 2 points,

The Bruin defense effectively shut down the Crusaders offense in the first half of play, and continued to outscore St. Mary’s into the second period. Jake Beaman #1 and #55 Brad Russell combined for 8 points in the second period, as guards Uriel Cortez #24 and #32 Ethan Orman continued to finish around the basket as the Bruins extended their lead to 8 points to take a 29-21 lead into the halftime break.

Freshman point guard, Jaren Fronckowiak, #4, had 9 points in the game, including a 3 pointer.

But a determined Crusader team came out the locker room after the break, using a full court press causing three turnovers that the Crusaders would use to cut the lead by 4 points early in the third period. The Bruin offense struggled to find any continuity in the third, but kept it close as the Challengers outscored the Bruins 10-14 in the period.

Sophomore guard, Wyatt Harms, #5, squaring up on defense.

With the Bruins holding on to a 39-35 lead to start the final period, the Bruins and Crusaders traded baskets in the fourth as St. Mary’s threw over the Bruin press to take advantage of fast breaks and get to the foul line. But Bruin center Brad Russell, #55 and Josh Serna #34, combined for 12 of the Bruins 13 points in the period, as the Challengers closed the gap to just one point, 44-43 with 2:00 minutes to play. But the Bruins would outscore the Challengers 13-12 in the final period to hold on and take the 52-47 win.

Senior Brad Russell, #55, led all Bruin scorers with 21 points on the night.

The Bruins will be on the road to Myrtle Creek Friday evening to take on the 3-6 Sutherlin Lancers, to close out their regular season schedule and post season schedules are released.