MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Dec. 29, 2018) – For the fourth time in the last two seasons, the Truett McConnell University men's basketball team defeated an NAIA national top 25 team. The Bears upset the NAIA DI No. 7 Faulkner University on the road (72-70) to put themselves back above .500 on Saturday afternoon (7-6, 2-5 AAC).
TMU beat Appalachian Athletic Conference foes Allen, Montreat and Union last season when they held national rankings.
COACH'S COMMENTS
"What a historic, well-deserved and unforgettable landmark of a win," Head Coach Jon Yeh said. "We showed some real resolve in the second half. Faulkner went up seven, but we were able to reel them back in by getting stops, limiting transition opportunities, and executing on offense. Of course, we hit some shots but they were quality looks against a very good team.
We had lots of key contributions – Two freshmen, Darius Tisby and Antonio Bonilla, grew up really quick today. Darius Thrower was the shooter we need him to be. And Christian did a great job shifting over to the point with Myles and Filipe injured. Calvin White bounced back from foul trouble and had a solid second half including the game winner."
TIGHT FIRST HALF | LAST MINUTE WIN
The Bears never trailed by more than six in the first 20 minutes of play and kept the game within one point nine different times throughout the first half. Despite a three-point deficit headed into the second half, the Bears worked to steal the lead for the first time three minutes in. TMU's largest lead was three while the Eagles led by as much as seven.
Trailing by one with 1:02 to go in the game, Thrower drained his fifth 3-pointer of the day to put TMU back out front. Nonetheless, No. 7 Faulker responded with a basket of their own to tie it up with 31 seconds to go (70-70) but it was TMU who rose to the occasion. White was dished the ball in the lane which enabled him to drop the golden bucket in at the front of the rim with four seconds to go to make history for the TMU men's basketball program (72-70).
LEADERS
Senior Christian Davis had a stellar shooting night leading all scorers with 23 points, going 6-for-9 behind the 3-point arc, and was credited four assists. Thrower followed with a season high of 15 points, shooting 5-for-8 behind the 3-point line. White had eights point and eight rebounds while senior Jacob Booke added eight points and six rebounds.
UP NEXT
The Bears will return to the Benjamin F. Brady Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 2, to host Appalachian Athletic Conference foe Tennessee Wesleyan at 7:30 p.m.
