(CLEVELAND, Ga.) – On Thursday, the Truett McConnell University men’s basketball team hosted Kentucky Christian University for an Appalachian Athletic Conference match-up, where the Bears took down the Knights, 74-70. TMU rises to an overall record of 9-13, 7-11 AAC, while the KCU fall to a record of 5-19, 3-17 AAC.
PLAY-BY-PLAY
In the first half, KCU was first to the basket, with TMU not far behind with a layup by Raul Arias-Ortega. The Bears continued to increase their lead with CJ Brown putting up two good layups, followed by a three-pointer by Jadon Yeh. Consecutive three-pointers by the opposing team attempted to rattle the Bears but was proven unsuccessful as a three pointer by Smith and a layup by Brown, increased TMU’s lead by seven points. The Knights fought back hard, successfully tying up the game in the final minutes of first half regulation, but the Knights luck quickly ran out as back-to-back layups by Cainan Wright and Yeh, put the Bears ahead by four (34-30).
The second half saw Wright first to add to the scoreboard with a good layup for the home team. The Bears continued to increase the gap with layups by Smith and Arias-Ortega, followed by a three-pointer by KJ Riley. A last chance effort by the visiting team attempted to tie the game once more but was ultimately unsuccessful as a final clutch three-pointer by Smith propelled the Bears into a win with a final score of 74-70.
LEADERS
Riley led the way, recording a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Smith followed with 15 points, while going 3-5 in free throws and 6-11 in the field. Brown was featured recording 10 points and seven rebounds, while Yeh tallied 10 points and three assists.
UP NEXT
The Bears will be back in action on the road as they travel to Barbourville, Ky. on Saturday, February 10, to take on Union College in an AAC match-up. Tip-off set for 4:00 p.m.
