BLUEFIELD, Ga. (November 6, 2021) – The Truett McConnell University men's basketball team traveled to face Bluefield University, their Appalachian Athletic Conference opener, where a final second shot by the Rams resulted in the Bears first loss of the season (65-63). Bluefield rose to a record of 1-0, 1-0 AAC, while the Bears fell to a record of 2-1, 0-1 AAC.

PLAY-BY-PLAY

The Rams picked up an early lead, gaining at most an 11-point advantage in the first half. The Bears did not give in, as they worked hard to decrease the gap, making the game even at the six-minute mark off an Enocka Franky jump shot (23-23). Bluefield continued to fight, but TMU combatted each shot with a shot of their own.  A CJ Brown shot in the paint secured the lead (30-29), followed by two good shots from the free throw line by Brent Kelly (32-29). The Rams battled back, but two good free throws by Akil Covington left TMU up at the half (34-32)

The second half saw the Bears gain speed, as they secured an 11-point lead after an EJ Smith jump shot (40-38). TMU continued to put pressure on the home team, as they gained at most a 13-point lead off a shot from Kelly (58-45). The Rams fought back, reducing the lead to one (63-62) and earned the game winning shot in the final five seconds, resulting in a 63-65 loss of the Bears.

LEADERS

Most notable, Franky led with a double-double of 15 rebounds and 10 points, while Smith led with 18 points. Brown had 10 rebounds and nine points, followed by Kelly who had eight points. RJ Bryant had five points and five rebounds, KJ Riley had five points, Kafunba Toure had four points and five rebounds, Cory Seitz had two points and seven rebounds and Covington had two points.    

UP NEXT

The Bears will travel to face Kentucky Christian University Thursday, November 11, with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m.