(CLEVELAND) – On Monday, the No. 5 Truett McConnell University men’s basketball team hosted Appalachian Athletic Conference opponent, No. 12 Milligan University, inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena for the opening round of the AAC Tournament. The Bears secured their spot with a thrilling 81-73 victory over the Buffaloes. TMU sits at a record of 19-11, while the Buffaloes conclude their season with a record of 6-22.
PLAY BY PLAY
In the first half, both teams proved evenly matched as the score remined close. Brent Kelly started the game with a lay-up, followed by a Raul Arias-Ortega three point shot to give the Bears a three-point lead. The Buffaloes quickly worked their way back to cut the deficit. A layup from Kelly, jump shot from Enocka Franky and a three-point shot from Arias-Ortega cut the deficit to one point. Three straight free throws from Arias-Ortega gave the Bears the advantage over the Buffaloes. A three pointer from RJ Bryant and a layup from CJ Brown increased the advantage. A three pointer from EJ Smith, layup from Brown and two tip-ins from Franky increased the deficit to seven. A layup from Franky sent the Bears into the half with a 45-40 lead.
In the second half, the Buffaloes were first to score. A layup from Kelly, followed by an Arias-Ortega three pointer and two free throws increased the Bears advantage to 10. The Buffaloes tried to work their way back, but could never get an advantage over the Bears. Two free throws from Kelly and a free throw from Kafunba Toure made the deficit six points. A layup from Cory Seitz, jump shot from Toure and a layup from KJ Riley ultimately sealed the 81-73 victory over the Buffaloes.
LEADERS
Arias-Ortega led the way offensively with 28 points, going 9-10 at the free throw line and 5-7 behind the three-point arc. Kelly followed with 16 points, going 6-9 at the free throw line, and contributed six rebounds. Franky tallied 10 points, going 4-11 from within the paint, and led the way defensively with nine rebounds. Seitz had six points, going 3-4 from within the paint. Following, Toure had five points, going 2-4 from within the paint and 1-2 at the free throw line.
UP NEXT
The Bears will travel to Kingsport, Tenn. on Thursday, Feb. 24 for their second AAC Tournament matchup with No. 4 Bryan College. Tipoff set for 8:30 a.m.
