(CLEVELAND) – The Truett McConnell University men’s basketball team hosted Appalachian Athletic Conference competitor, Bryan College, where a late rally proved not enough against a strong Lions offense (70-81). TMU falls to a record of 4-5, 4-4 AAC, while the Lions rise to 5-5, 5-2 AAC.
PLAY-BY-PLAY
The Bears and Lions were aggressive from the start, where a three-pointer from Cooper Rubio and EJ Smith put TMU on the board early. The Lions fought back and created a deficit, but back-to-back layups from Enocka Franky and a fastbreak layup from Smith kept the Bears within two. Layups from Franky and Smith, followed by two consecutive three-pointers from Smith and Brent Kelly kept the lead in range. The Lions continued to widen the gap, while a jump shot from Micah McAllister and a layup from Franky sent TMU into half trailing 29-48.
In the second half, the Bears were hot out of the gates with a layup from Franky and two free throws from Akil Covington. A layup from CJ Brown followed by a free throw sparked TMU’s momentum. A shot behind the three-point arc from Kelly, two free throws from Smith, and a layup from RJ Bryant continued to close the deficit. Two free throws from Cory Seitz and a three-pointer from Bryant brought the Bears within six, but the Lions remained persistent. Another three-pointer from Kelly and two free throws from Bryant left the Bears to ultimately fall to a final score of 70-81.
LEADERS
Smith led the way with 22 points, going 8-16 in the paint and 2-2 at the free throw line. Franky recorded a double-double, going 6-11 in the paint with 11 rebounds. Kelly followed with nine points, going 3-6 from behind the three-point arc. Bryant tallied seven points, going 2-3 at the free throw line with three rebounds.
UP NEXT
The Bears hit the road to Montreat, North Carolina on Wednesday, December 7, to face AAC rival Montreat College. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
