(CLEVELAND) – The Truett McConnell University women’s basketball team hosted Appalachian Athletic Conference foe Milligan University, where the Lady Bears fell in the ultimate double-overtime battle (80-81). TMU falls to a record of 2-6, 2-5 AAC, while the Buffaloes 6-3, 4-1 AAC.

PLAY BY PLAY
The Lady Bears fell behind early with a Buffs12-point run. The Lady Bears scored their first basket of the game with a layup from Tia Shelton, followed by a free throw from Shelton. A shot behind the three-point arc from Shelton and Gwyn Andrews closed the first quarter with TMU trailing 9-20. In the second quarter, a layup and a free throw from Alysee Dobbs sparked the Lady Bears momentum. A three-point shot from Chloe Williams, followed by a layup brought TMU within five points. The Buffs worked hard to create a large margin, but layups from Shelton and Dobbs sent TMU into the half (28-32).

In the third quarter, the Buffaloes were aggressive early, but a jump shot from Camilla Callihan kept the Lady Bears within margin. A shot from behind the three-point arc from Dobbs along with a layup from Callihan closed the gap. A layup from Shelton and a jump shot from Williams closed the third quarter with TMU behind, 43-48. In the fourth quarter, the Lady Bears were on mission from the start with a layup from Shelton and Sydnie Smith to bring TMU within one. A layup from Dobbs tied the game, but the Buffaloes pushed forward for the lead. With seconds left on the clock, a clutch game tying three-pointer from Dobbs bridged the gap to send the Lady Bears into overtime (60-60).

In the first overtime, the Lady Bears took their first lead of the game with two free throws from Dobbs. The Buffs retaliated with a three-point shot of their own to take the lead, but a layup from Quan Holton and free throws from Callihan kept TMU in the game. In the final seconds, a jump shot from Williams gave the Lady Bears another chance at victory pushing the game into a second overtime (70-70). In the second overtime, TMU was first on the board with a jump shot from Dobbs to secure the lead early. The Buffs were aggressive on offense, leaving TMU to work from behind. Free throws from Re’Tavia Floyd, followed by a layup from Smith closed the gap. A jump shot from Callihan, followed by a layup off a fast break tied the game at 80-80, but a solo free throw from the Buffaloes left TMU to fall to a devastating defeat, 81-80.

LEADERS
Dobbs led the way with 21 points, going 5-7 at the free throw line and recording six rebounds. Callihan followed with 20 rebounds, going 8-14 in the paint and tallying eight rebounds. Shelton had 12 points on the evening, going 5-11 in the paint, while Williams recorded six points, going 2-2 at the free throw line.

UP NEXT
The Lady Bears remain inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena on Saturday, December 3 with a match-up against AAC opponent, Bryan College. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m.