Bruriah secured a home court advantage in the A League with a 49-41 regular-season finale victory against Hillel.

Led by senior co-captains Nikki Bick and Michal Hyman, the Lightning led by as many as 10 until midway through the 4th quarter, when Hillel made a run and closed to within 2. The Lightning, who had not practiced or played since its victory against Kushner on January 3rd, had an answer for each of Hillel’s baskets and opened up the 8-point lead with 1:30 to go in the game. Bruriah ended its regular season 10-2 at the top of the Western division. During halftime, seniors Bick, Hyman, and Chaya Levin were celebrated for their contributions on and off the court.

Senior co-captains Avigayil Wiener and Elana Rutner led the Lightning to two B-League road victories on consecutive nights. Bruriah defeated Magen David 34-27 in what turned into a close game in the 4th quarter. Magen David, trailing by 12 with about 6 minutes to go in the 4th, went on a run to take the lead 25-23. Bruriah regained the lead at about the 4-mintue mark and outscored Magen David 11-2.

The following night Bruriah opened its final game of the regular season with a 16-0 run at Shalheveth. The lead blossomed to as many as 28. Wiener and Rutner got help from Ilana Markowitz and Gila Alter on offense and Hindy Goldberg and Shira Alter on defense. Bruriah finished its regular season as a second seed in the playoffs at 10-2.

By Susan Rifkin