The Oilers have not relinquished their status among the league’s elite despite graduating the previous two conference players of the year (Taren Sullivan, Alex White).
The conference tournament title is still on the bucket list for Findlay and head coach Charlie Ernst, who recorded his 200th career victory over the past week.
A heralded two-sport prep prospect (football), Bruns helped lead Findlay to impressive wins against Malone and nationally-ranked Walsh in a rematch of last year’s tournament championship final.
The 6-7 Bruns was firing on all cylinders with 17.5 points and 8 boards per game while shooting 60 percent from the field. He also handed out 2.5 assists and blocked 2 shots per contest and recorded 1.5 steals.
Bruns tallied a team-high 19 points against the Cavaliers to go with five rebounds and three steals. He missed just three of his nine shot attempts and sank six free throws.
Earlier in the week at Croy Gymnasium, Bruns tallied a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Seven of his 11 boards were of the offensive variety and he chipped in three assists and three blocks.
Bruns led the team in minutes played in both games as well as Findlay has now won 10 of its last 11 played. He is currently leading UF in both scoring (11.26 ppg) and rebounds (5.47) while shooting 64 percent on his attempts.