By Kenny Knudsen
Staff Writer
The long anticipated season for the players and coaching staff of Bryan College is over as Summers Gymnasium filled up Wednesday night as the Bryan Men’s basketball team opened up their season against the Tigers of Hiwassee College (Tennessee).
The Lions jumped out to an early lead and was outmatched the visiting Tigers. Bryan trampled Hiwassee 43-26 in the first half and coasted to the finish with an 87-62 win. This marked the fourth win out of the last five times that Bryan has played against Hiwassee.
The Lions shot 43.1% from the field and 70.7% from the free-throw line while allowing only 16 turnovers.
Junior forward Brandon Cole led the charge, dropping 40 points for the Lions, while adding a pair of assists and seven rebounds. Junior guard Jeff Long finished 5-8 from the field with 13 points, six assists, and a pair of steals as well.
“The crowd was electrifying tonight. We definitely need their support for the entire season because it makes a huge difference when we play at home,” said senior forward Alan Holt.
The Lions start the season 1-0 under Coach Don Rekoske. Bryan travels down to “God’s Country” in good ol’ Knoxville, Tennessee next to face Johnson University Saturday, Nov. 1 at 8 pm. The Lions have six players on their roster that hail from that area.
