(CLEVELAND) – On Saturday, the Truett McConnell University men’s basketball team hosted Bluefield University for an Appalachian Athletic Conference match-up, where the Bears held their own against the Rams, recording a huge win over the Rams, 86-83. TMU rises to an overall record of 9-9, 7-7 AAC, while BU falls to a record of 5-14, 5-10 AAC.
PLAY-BY-PLAY
In the first half, back-to-back layups by Cainan Wright, put TMU up on the board first. The visiting team quickly responded with good baskets of their own, forcing both teams to work hard to retain the lead. The game remained evenly matched as layups by EJ Smith and CJ Brown worked to keep up with the Rams. A three-pointer by Smith and a layup from Cory Seitz, proved to be a successful as the Bears pushed ahead by three. Both teams battled hard, with BU ultimately regaining the lead once again in the final minute of first half regulation, entering halftime, 31-34.
The second half opened with a good layup by Smith, followed by a layup by Jadon Yeh and a three-pointer by Seitz to even the score (38-38). The visiting team did not hold back, increasing the margin to five points, when a layup and free throw by Brown, paired with a clutch layup by Akil Covington, forced the Bears ahead. TMU held the lead for the remainder of the half, receiving hard pressure from BU as the visiting team tried to change the outcome of the game, but teamwork from the Bears prevailed, as the home team banded together to take down the Rams with a final score of 86-83.
LEADERS
Smith led the way for the Bears, recording 25 points, three rebounds, while going 9-14 in field goals, 4-5 at the three-point arc and 3-4 in free throws. Seitz followed with 15 points and eight rebounds, while tallying five assists and going 5-6 in field goals. Raul Arias-Ortega was featured recording 14 points, while Covington had 12 points and Brown had nine points, respectfully.
UP NEXT
TMU will be back in action on the road, Monday, January 22, as the Bears travel to Tennessee Wesleyan University for and AAC match-up. Tip-off set for 6:00 p.m.
