(CLEVELAND) – The Truett McConnell University men’s basketball team hosted Virginia University of Lynchburg inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena, where a strong second-half response from the Bears shut-down the VUL Dragons (92-84). TMU rises to a record of 5-7, while the Dragons fall to a record of 1-11.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Bears were first on the board with a layup from CJ Brown, followed by a shot in the paint from Cooper Rubio and layup from Brent Kelly. The VUL Dragons worked quickly on offense to capture the lead, but a three-point shot from Raul Arias-Ortega tied the game. Both teams were neck-and-neck, until multiple three-point shots from the VUL Dragons created a large deficit. Layups from Kafunba Toure, Cory Seitz, and Brown worked to close the gap, while five stellar consecutive free throws from Rubio sparked a fire within the Bears. In the final seconds, two free throws from Kelly sent the Bears into the half trailing by three (40-43).
In the second half, Kelly sparked the momentum with back-to-back free throws to bring the Bears within one. The VUL Dragons did not settle and added to their lead with shots of their own. A layup from Seitz and Toure, followed by a three-point shot from RJ Bryant kept TMU within margin. In the final four minutes, three free throws from Toure and a three-point shot from Covington shifted the tide for TMU. Layups from Toure and Kelly, followed by a three-pointer from EJ Smith put the Bears ahead for good, while free throws from Kelly and Covington ultimately secured a 92-84 victory for the Bears.
LEADERS
Most notable, Toure recorded a double-double with 18 points, going 4-5 at the free-throw line with 11 rebounds. Rubio followed with 11 points, going 7-7 at the free-throw line and 2-4 behind the three-point arc. Kelly recorded 12 points, going 6-6 at the free throw line and 3-4 within the paint. Arias-Ortega and Covington tallied 10 points apiece, where Arias-Ortega was 3-5 in the paint and Covington was 3-4 at the free-throw line.
UP NEXT
The Bears hit the road to Lakeland, Fla. for the SEU Classic on Friday, December 16 to face Florida College. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
