CLEVELAND | The Truett McConnell women's basketball team, led by Janae' Simpson, ran past Columbia, 73-57, in the Appalachian Athletic Conference opener for both teams. With the win, the Bears are now 3-2 overall and 1-0 in league play.

Both teams struggled to get things going in the first quarter, shooting a combined 10-for-39 from the field in the frame. TMU woke up in the second quarter to take a one-point lead to the break.

The pressure intensified for the Bears defensively in the second half, turning Columbia over 15 times in the second half, leading to 20 points off of turnovers and just six Koala points in the quarter. Both teams lit up the scoreboard in the fourth quarter, scoring a combined 45 points as the Bears earned the victory.

Simpson finished with 20 points and 14 rebounds, netting her second consecutive double-double. Three more Bears finished in double figures with Ariana Sanders contributing 19, Anna Murr with 18 and Ashleigh Stanley with 11.

The Bears will finish play before Thanksgiving with two road AAC games, starting with Tennessee Wesleyan on Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.