BRIDGEWATER, Va. (BC Athletics) – Bridgewater College men’s basketball came away with a much-needed win, securing a 72-53 final score at home against Averett Saturday.

Records: BCE (8-8 Overall, 3-4 ODAC), AU (7-9 Overall, 2-5 ODAC)

How It Happened
• Jordan Cooper got things rolling right out of the gate with a strong take to the basket for the easy two points to start the game. Then, the Eagles rolled on to a 7-0 start with a tough man-defense at play. Aaron Oates got the easy and-one bucket off a quick dime by Mason Ramey.
• Quickly after, BCE jumped to an 11-point lead at 16-5. Woody Machado sparked the offense with back-to-back makes with a smooth three-point jump shot and an assertive drive to the rim. A costly turnover helped the Eagles open the floor for the one-handed flush by the high-flying Cooper, giving BCE a commanding 14-point lead. AU got it back down to six points with some quick fastbreak points for the 32-26 first half score.
• Then, the Cougars found what they were looking for, going 3-4 to start the second half and taking their first lead of the game at 34-32. AU pushed the lead to four with tough takes to the basket for easy makes at the free throw line. However, the lead did not last forever as Khalil Ward woke the offense back up with a nothing-but-net three-pointer. The Eagles tied it back up at 38 apiece with a chest-pass delivery from Cooper to Khalil Ward for the three-point field goal.
• A second lead change ensued at the 13:30 mark from a tip-in by Steve Burgess. Oates and Burgess worked off each other trading baskets giving the Eagles a 13-point lead at 62-49. The Eagles effectively exploded in transition causing late-game turnovers and firing the outlet off the rebound. An 8-0 scoring run was all the Eagles needed to close out regulation, finishing the game with the largest margin of the day on a 19-point scoring outburst for a 72-53 score.

Game Notes
• Bridgewater dominated in the paint knocking down 48 points, doubling the Cougars in that category as they scored 22 points inside.
• The Eagles were getting help from all players across the board, pouring in 22 points from bench players, while limiting Averett to just 11 bench points, respectively.
• Aaron Oates starred in this matchup, posting 19 points, seven boards, and three assists including two steals on the defensive end.
• Jordan Cooper added 18 points to the offense on 60% shooting along with seven boards.

Up Next
The Eagles are back in action against Randolph-Macon on the road on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m.

— BC Athletics —