BRIDGEWATER, VA: (Rocktown Now) — Bridgewater College delivered one of its grittiest performances of the season Saturday night, pushing No. 2 nationally ranked Randolph‑Macon deep into the second half before ultimately falling 67–61 in the regular‑season finale at Nininger Hall.
The Eagles closed their season at 7–18 overall and 3–13 in ODAC play, while the Yellow Jackets improved to 23–2 and 14–2 in the conference.
Eagles Control First Half Tempo
Bridgewater opened the night with confidence, matching Randolph‑Macon’s early scoring and forcing the Yellow Jackets to search for answers. Jahmir Brown and Carter Palmer repeatedly attacked the paint, keeping BC within striking distance throughout the first 20 minutes.
Palmer tied the game at 13 with a smooth lay‑in off a feed from Chris Suber, and Brown followed with strong interior play to keep the pressure on. After trailing by six with five minutes left in the half, the Eagles surged back. Javon Jenkins buried a three‑pointer to cut the deficit to 31–28, Palmer scored in transition, and Maleek Richardson finished a layup to give Bridgewater its first lead of the night.
The Eagles carried that momentum into the locker room with a 32–31 halftime advantage.
Ranked Yellow Jackets Regain Control Late
Bridgewater extended its lead to four early in the second half, continuing to trade baskets with the ODAC powerhouse. Richardson, Mason Ramey, and Jenkins kept the Eagles in front for the first six minutes of the period, and Brown briefly restored the lead with a determined drive to the rim. Moments later, Mi’Kis Engram connected from beyond the arc to keep BC within reach.
But Randolph‑Macon’s depth and rhythm eventually took hold. A decisive 6–0 run midway through the half swung momentum firmly to the Yellow Jackets, who maintained control the rest of the way. Bridgewater stayed within striking distance until the final minutes, but RMC pulled away late to secure the 67–61 win.
