BLUEFIELD, Va. (Nov. 7, 2020) – After winning the first two games of the year, the Truett McConnell University women's basketball team traveled to Bluefield College on Saturday afternoon for their Appalachian Athletic Conference opener. Despite trailing by as little as three in the third quarter, the Lady Bears were unable to come out on top against the Rams (69-55) as they fell to 2-1, 0-1 AAC on the season.

PLAY BY PLAY

Although the Rams trailed by four at the end of the first period (7-11), TMU earned a two-point lead on Bluefield twice in the first five minutes of the second. However, a 3-pointer sparked a strong run for the Rams as they pushed to lead by as much as nine (22-31). Two Natalie Nixon free throws minimized the gap (24-31) but Bluefield still claimed a seven-point lead at the half.

The first three minutes of the second half saw TMU get within three of the Rams (28-31,) but it only took three more minutes for Bluefield to lead by double figures (28-39) and it was only up from there. The Rams led by as much as 17 in the fourth quarter but the Lady Bears rallied to get back within eight (55-63). Nonetheless, it wasn't enough as the Rams held TMU scoreless the final two minutes of regulation to claim their first AAC win of the season (55-69).

LEADERS

Senior Sierra Kendall led the way with a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds. Kendall also had two steals and two blocks. Junior Re'Tavia Floyd followed with 11 points and three steals, while fellow juniors Quan Holton and Aisya Davis contributed six points apiece. Holton led with five assists and added five rebounds.

UP NEXT

TMU returns home to the Benjamin F. Brady Arena on Tuesday, Nov. 10, to host Johnson University at 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 14, to host AAC foe Montreat College at 2:00 p.m.