Women's Basketball Uses Second Half to Win Battle of the Boulevard

Jailyn Banks took 16 points to the bank against Lipscomb, Ty Wellemeyer

Among a sea of white shirts at the Curb Event Center, Belmont women’s basketball secured its 14th-consecutive win over rival Lipscomb University with a 70-51 victory on Wednesday.

“It’s Bruin Time” echoed throughout the arena with the largest crowd the women have seen so far this season.

To start the game, the Bisons were taking advantage of Belmont mistakes, including six turnovers, to take control of the game.

The Bruins found some life towards the end of the first quarter, finding themselves down 18-15.

Coming out for the second quarter, the Bruins had a strong start to the second with a six-point run, leading to a Bison timeout.

But the Bisons found a way to stay in the game, fighting back with baskets of their own.

The Bruins did just enough to stay ahead though, leading 36-33 at half.

Belmont came out with high intensity to start the third quarter, increasing their lead to 44-38 in the first three minutes.

But the Bisons continued to be competitive as they were down only 51-46 going into the fourth.

But entering the fourth quarter, Belmont began to shut down Lipscomb, dominating on both sides of the ball.

As the Bruins began to increase the lead against the Bisons, the Curb Event Center was rowdy and loud with excitement.

With two minutes left and the score being 69-51, the subs came off the benches for both teams to finish the battle.

What started as a close dogfight ended with a 19-point win for the Bruins.

Junior Kilyn McGuff finished with a double-double of 14 rebounds and 13 points while freshman guard Jailyn Banks scored a game-high 16 points.

But junior Tessa Miller proved to be a killer for the Bruins, doing it all on the court with 14 points, 8 rebounds, five assists and two blocks.

Miller said winning a heated rivalry game is always a great feeling.

“It’s awesome. It’s always a big rivalry game,” Miller said. “They’re a very talented team, so tensions are always high. But we were able to stay steady. It was a great win morally.”

Also with the win, head coach Bart Brooks keeps his undefeated record against the Bisons, extending it to 6-0.

Brooks said he admits that the Bruins didn’t play their best basketball for most of the game.

But he also said the win shows the potential of his group.

“They’ve got a really good group that connects well. They stretch you defensively,” Brooks said. “So anytime you play against a good team, and you find a way to win when you don’t have your best stuff, it’s big. I thought we did that tonight.”

The Bruins have 11 days to rest their bodies before traveling to Kennesaw State University on Dec. 17.

-

This article was written by Bree Fabbie