Recap: Region IV Title Comes to a Halt for Bobcats
A dissapointing ending to the #1 seeded Bryant & Stratton College (21-11) women's basketball season as they suffered a 71-65 loss to the #2 seeded South Suburban College Bulldogs (28-5) on Saturday afternoon in the Region IV Championship game...
WAUWATOSA, WI (March 10, 2019) - A dissapointing ending to the #1 seeded Bryant & Stratton College (21-11) women's basketball season as they suffered a 71-65 loss to the #2 seeded South Suburban College Bulldogs (28-5) on Saturday afternoon in the Region IV Championship game.
This was the second straight season the Bobcats competed for a regional title as they defeated McHenry County College 81-70 last year to advance to the National Tournament.
Sophomore forward Brandilyn Robertson and freshman guards Kiyanna Rodgers and Taynique Hawthorne each earned a spot on the Region IV All-Tournament team.
Robertson led the way in the title game with a team-high 13 points, five rebounds and three blocks followed by Hawthorne dropping 11 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Rodgers produced 10 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals while Ashley Moses (Fr.) added 10 points on 5-12 shooting.
A sluggish start for the Bobcats led to the Bulldogs grabbing a 35-31 early lead at halftime.
"It was a battle all game long," Bobcats head coach Jeff Lorenz said. "They have a great program and everyone could see how much both teams wanted this game."
To start the second half, Bryant & Stratton came out hot as they dominated the third quarter on both sides of the ball leading 52-47 heading into the final quarter.
A neck-and-neck fourth quarter, the Bobcats found themselves trailing 64-63 with one minute remaining in the game.
Down the final stretch, the Bulldogs sealed the deal knocking down key free throws to earn a trip to the national tournament.
"I am extremely proud of our team," Lorenz said. "We had our ups and downs all season long but we played our best basketball in March which was great to see."
Bryant & Stratton shot just 39.0% from the field and a playoff low 20.0% from long distance.
The Bobcats concluded their season with record of 9-2 at home, 7-5 away and 5-4 on neutral floors.
A freshman heavy team, the Bobcats will remain positive in hopes for another opportunity at a Region IV title next season.
"There is a lot to build on and look forward throughout this offseason," Lorenz said. "I thought the freshman girls really improved throughout the year and especially in pressure moments so I am excited to have them back next year."
Another impressive season for women's basketball comes to an end but recruiting never stops. Lorenz and his staff will take some time to reflect on the season but quickly get back to preparing for what looks to be an exciting 2019-20 season.