CLEVELAND, Ga. (Feb. 17, 2020) – The Truett McConnell University men's basketball team battled back and forth with No. 25 Union College up until the very last four minutes of regulation when the Bears came up short by four (72-68). The Bears fell to 7-20, 3-19 AAC on the season, while the Bulldogs, who are tied for No. 1 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference standings, improved to 20-9, 17-6 AAC on the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The first 20 minutes of regulation saw a tied game six different times with TMU leading by as much as five and Union leading by as much as four, which ultimately led to a tied game at the half (31-31). The second half was much like the first in that both teams were neck and neck.

Although the Bulldogs got out front by as much as nine (48-57) with 7:41 remaining, an Antonio Bonilla bucket in the paint sparked a 8-0 scoring run by the Bears to put TMU within one (56-57) with 5:47 to go. But it was Bonilla's 3-pointer that put TMU back in the lead by one with 4:35 on the clock (61-60). Nonetheless, the Bulldogs answered with one of their own and a couple of key turnovers and free throws ultimately proved to be the difference in the end.

LEADERS

Bonilla led all scores matching his career high of 26 points, while Marlon Allen followed with 14 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Darius Thrower added 11 points, including going 3-for-6 from behind the 3-point line. Brent Kelly was credited five assists.

UP NEXT

The Bears are set to host AAC opponent Point University on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 7:30 p.m., for their home finale, which will also be the team's senior night.