CLEVELAND, Ga. (Nov. 20, 2019) – For the first time this season, the Truett McConnell University men's basketball team faced defeat on Wednesday night against Appalachian Athletic Conference foe Bryan College after a slow start in the first half (81-69). The Bears dropped to 4-1, 2-1 AAC on the season, while the Lions improved to 4-3, 1-3 AAC.

SLOW START, STRONG FINISH

In only took eight minutes for the visiting Lions to get out front by 14 points on their way to possess a 21-point lead heading into halftime (19-40). However, it was TMU who outscored Bryan in the second half (50-41). Although the Bears were capable of scoring over and over again throughout the first nine minutes of the second half, the Lions continued to have a response of their own to maintain a 20+-point lead until Xavier Latore's 3-pointer allowed the Bears to get within 17 (44-61).

Two more back-to-back 3-pointers were made by Marlon Allen to put TMU within 12 (54-66) but it was Darius Thrower's 3-pointer that brought the Bears within single digits (63-72). Allen's bucket in the paint with 1:16 to go in regulation put TMU within eight (69-77) but four made free throws in the final minute of regulation ultimately sealed the deal for Bryan College (69-81).

LEADERS

Sophomore Enocka Franky led the Bears with 16 points, eight rebounds and four steals, while Allen followed with 12 points and three steals. Latore and Thrower added 11 points apiece, and Brent Kelly was credited four assists.

UP NEXT

The Bears are on the road this weekend for another AAC matchup against Bluefield College on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 2:00 p.m., and will face Toccoa Falls College, for the second time this season, on the road Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 8:00 p.m.