Tigerville, S.C. - Carolina University Bruins men's basketball continues a challenging early-January stretch on Tuesday, January 13, traveling to Division II North Greenville University for a 6 p.m. tipoff in Tigerville, S.C.
The Bruins enter the contest having shown steady competitiveness to open the new year. Carolina has played four games since the calendar turned, with three of those contests decided by four points or fewer—an indication, head coach Jake Heck says, of a group that is close to turning narrow margins into results.
"We've been right there," said Heck. "Our guys are competing, defending, and giving us chances late in games. Now it's about execution and consistency for forty minutes, especially against a team like North Greenville that plays with pace and physicality."
Offensively, Carolina is averaging 75.1 points per game on the season while pulling down 40.3 rebounds per contest, ranking among the team's strengths on the glass. The Bruins have leaned on balanced scoring, with Tristan Kuska (12.7 ppg), Shawn Woodson (12.8 ppg), and DJ Evans (10.4 ppg) all averaging double figures, while Julius Lymon and Zay Scott provide consistent rebounding presence inside.
Tuesday's opponent presents a stiff challenge. North Greenville enters the matchup with a 7–6 overall record and a 4–4 mark in conference play, averaging 73.1 points per game while holding opponents to 70.0. The Crusaders are led by Carter Bobbitt (19.3 ppg) and Savion Brown (17.4 ppg), while Jacob Brown anchors the frontcourt with 7.8 rebounds per game.
Coach Heck emphasized the importance of valuing possessions and matching North Greenville's intensity.
"They're disciplined and efficient," Heck added. "We have to rebound, take care of the basketball, and trust our offense. If we do those things, we'll put ourselves in position to compete late again—and this time finish."
Tipoff between the Bruins and Crusaders is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, as Carolina looks to build on its recent close performances against a quality Division II opponent.
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