MONTREAT, N.C. (Jan. 23, 2019) – The Truett McConnell University men's basketball team led No. 24 Montreat College at halftime (42-41) but ultimately fell in regulation to one of the top two teams in the Appalachian Athletic Conference, 102-91.

Last time they met, the No. 24 Cavaliers (15-4, 7-2 AAC) defeated the Bears (11-10, 6-9) 72-57.

FIRST HALF WIN | SECOND HALF LOSS

The Bears came out ready to play earning the first six points of the game. In fact, TMU led the nationally-ranked team all but 1:26 of the first 20 minutes of regulation. The Bears led by as many as nine points but a handful of free throws enabled the Cavs to come in from behind to just trail by one at the half (42-41).

Nonetheless, the second half saw an entirely different Montreat team. The Cavs immediately got back out front in the first 12 seconds and never looked back. Montreat pushed to lead by as many as 13 points but the Bears were unable to fully recover.

LEADERS

Four Bears entered into the double digit scoring column led by senior Filipe Goncalves with 22 points, six rebounds. Fellow senior Jacob Booke followed with a season high of 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Senior Christian Davis added 13 points, four assists and two steals while junior Kai Lambert added 11 points, six rebounds.

Davis currently leads the nation in steals per game (2.95) and total steals (59). In addition, Davis ranks number eight in 3-pointers made per game (3.60) and number 10 in total 3-pointers made (72).

UP NEXT

The Bears are back on the road Saturday, Jan. 26, to Bluefield College for another AAC matchup before returning home to the Benjamin F. Brady Arena to host Milligan College on Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 7:30 p.m.