CLEVELAND, Ga. Feb. 15, 2020) – The Truett McConnell University women's basketball team defeated Columbia College 81-75 on Saturday afternoon inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena, which clinched their trip to the Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament. TMU improved to 14-13, 9-12 AAC on the season, while the Fighting Koalas fell to 8-17, 7-15 AAC.

PLAY-BY-PLAY

The Lady Bears got off to a hot start as they worked to lead by as much as 12 in the first quarter. The second quarter saw the Fighting Koalas come in from behind to tie it up three times but TMU closed out the quarter on a 5-0 scoring run to earn a five-point cushion at the half (38-33).

Columbia opened up the second half with a 3-pointer but it only took 12 seconds for Sydney Rumble to answer with a 3-pointer of her own (41-36). In fact, the Lady Bears spent the rest of the third quarter in the lead. TMU led by as much as nine but a handful of free throws and 3-pointer allowed the Fighting Koalas to get back within one possession right before the fourth quarter (61-58). The score was tied three times throughout the first eight minutes of the fourth until Sierra Kendall's free throw put TMU ahead for good (72-71). A Columbia free throw forced a three-point game with 16 seconds to go (78-75), but three straight Kendall free throws clinched the victory (81-75).

LEADERS

Kendall led the way with a double-double of 25 points and 14 rebounds, while adding three steals and two blocks. Re'Tavia Floyd followed with 19 points, four assists and three steals, while Camilla Howell scored 10 and added three assists. Quan Holton recorded with six steals, seven rebounds and four assists.

UP NEXT

The Lady Bears have a quick turnaround as they take on another AAC foe, Union College, on Monday, Feb. 17, at 5:30 p.m.