LAURINBURG, N.C. (Dec. 8, 2021) - On Wednesday, the Truett McConnell University men's basketball team traveled to face, Appalachian Athletic Conference foe, St. Andrews University. The Bears secured their second straight conference win over the Knights, with a final score of 97-77. TMU's record improved to 6-4, 4-4 AAC, while the Knights record fell to 1-10, 1-7 AAC.
 
PLAY BY PLAY
The Bears hit the court hot, putting up seven points in the first two minutes. A three pointer from EJ Smith continued the Bears rally, followed by a three pointer from KJ Riley. The Knights worked to lessen the lead, but Riley responded with a shot behind the three-point arc. A layup from Raul Arias-Ortega created an 18-point lead for TMU, followed by two free throws from Smith to secure the lead at the half (47-32).
 
In the second half, the Bears continued to force the Knights to play under pressure. A shot in the paint from Brent Kelly added to the lead, followed by a dominating shot by Kafunba Toure. Enocka Franky tallied six straight points, featuring two shots in the paint. The Knights continued to foul, allowing Riley, Franky, and Cooper Rubio the opportunity to add successful shots from the free throw line. A layup off a fast break from Rubio ultimately secured a dominating 97-77 victory for the Bears.
 
LEADERS
Most notable, Franky recorded a double-double on the evening with 19 points, going 7-9 at the free throw line, and tallying 11 rebounds. Smith followed with 16 points, being perfect at the free throw line and going 5-10 from within the paint. Toure collected 16 points, going 5-7 in the paint, and recording four rebounds of his own. Riley had 13 points, going 3-3 from behind the three-point arc. Kelly had eight points, going 3-6 from within the paint.
 
UP NEXT
The Bears return inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena on Saturday, Dec. 11, to face AAC opponent, Johnson University. Tipoff is set for 4:00 p.m.