(CLEVELAND) – On Thursday, the Truett McConnell University women’s basketball team hosted Life University for a non-conference match-up, where the Lady Bears fell in a tough battle against the Running Eagles, 85-56. TMU falls to an overall record of 3-10, while LU rises to a record of 10-2.

PLAY-BY-PLAY
In the first quarter, TMU was first on the board with a layup by Mahalah Stewart. The Eagles quickly responded with field goals of their own, eager to take the lead, but the Lady Bears did not lose heart as a three-pointer by Brinkley Kate Reed worked to close the gap. A layup by Destinee Lovejoy paired with two good free throws by Reed, kept the Lady Bears in the game as they trailed by six. A final three-pointer by Kayleigh Kelley gave TMU hope as the Lady Bears ended the quarter 16-23. The second quarter saw LU first on the board, with Reed quickly responding with a good three-pointer. TMU worked to decrease the gap, with a jump shot and layup by Brewster, followed by a layup by Kelley, to enter the half trailing by 13, 27-40.

The third quarter saw LU once again first to act, with Reed responding with a layup, assisted by Lovejoy. The Eagles continued to increase their lead, forcing the Lady Bears to work hard from behind as two layups and a three-pointer by Brewster worked to decrease the margin. Brewster continued to prove to be a fierce competitor, scoring four more free throws and a layup, to keep the Eagles within distance, 45-59. The final quarter saw the visiting team eager to increase their lead as the Lady Bears fought to stay in the game. A three-pointer by Ava Queen followed by free throws from Alysee Dobbs and a layup from Lovejoy attempted to decrease LU’s lead. A final jump shot by Dobbs and a layup by Carsyn Ward, proved to be a great effort, but was ultimately not enough to change the result of the game, with the Lady Bears falling to a final score of 85-56.

LEADERS
Brewster led the way for the Lady Bears, recording a double-double, with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Reed followed, contributing 13 points and going 3-4 at the free throw line, while Kelley had five points. Lovejoy and Dobbs were featured recording four points apiece.

UP NEXT
The Lady Bears will be back in action at home on Tuesday, January 2, as they host Columbia International University for an Appalachian Athletic Conference match-up, inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena. Tip-off set for 5:30 p.m.