GRAYSON, Ky. (Feb. 22, 2020) – The Truett McConnell University men's basketball team faced Appalachian Athletic Conference member Kentucky Christian University for the second time on Saturday on the road. After junior Xavier Latore's last second bucket in the paint sent the game into overtime, the Bears fell 98-93 to conclude their 2019-20 campaign 8-21, 4-20 AAC, while the Knights improved to 14-16, 13-11 AAC. The Knights will enter into the AAC tournament as the No. 6 seed.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams went head to head the first 14 minutes of the first half as the score tied seven times, however, the Knights pushed to lead by as much as 10 but junior Ange Badji scored in the paint to make it a six-point game at the half (42-48). Enocka Franky's 7-0 scoring frenzy in a matter of one minute tied the game back up at 53-53 early in the second half. However, the Knights still got out front by as much as 12 points but the closing five minutes saw the Bears inch to get back within as little as two points. Franky, nonetheless, closed out the second half on another 7-0 scoring run to send the game into overtime (86-86).
KCU opened up the overtime period with a 3-pointer and went on to lead by as much as five. The Knights ultimately did not allow the Bears to tie it back up as they outscored 12-7 to seal the deal.
LEADERS
Franky led with an impressive career high of 34 points and added nine rebounds, two steals a block. Senior Darius Thrower concluded his collegiate career with 22 points, including going 6-for-7 from behind the 3-point arc. Sophomore Antonio Bonilla added 10 points while Brent Kelly was credited six assists.
Franky also finished the season ranked third in the AAC in scoring per game (17.23), fifth in scoring (448) and fifth in field goal percentage (0.568). In addition, Franky ranks second in offensive rebounds per game (3.15), third in blocks per game (1.27) and fourth in total blocks (33). Freshman Marlon Allen ranks second in total rebounds per game (9.18), while Franky follows in sixth (8.46). Allen also ranks third in total rebounds (248). Kelly completed his freshman campaign ranked third in the AAC for most assists per game (4.42) and fourth for total assists (115).
Thrower finished his career ranked fifth in the AAC in 3-point percentage (0.413) and sixth in 3-pointers made per game (2.56) and total 3-pointers made (69).
