MILIGAN COLLEGE, Tenn. (Feb. 9, 2021) – The Truett McConnell University men's basketball team faced Appalachian Athletic Conference foe, Milligan University, Tuesday, which saw the Bears fall by a slim margin in the final 30 seconds with a score of 67-63. The Buffaloes rose to a record of 8-7, 8-6 AAC, while the TMU declined to a record of 8-15, 5-12 AAC.

PLAY-BY-PLAY

The Bears held the lead for the majority of the first half, with the Buffaloes not far behind, capable of making the score even on numerous occasions. TMU went up by seven, their largest lead of the half, at the seven-minute mark after a shot in the paint from freshman Cory Seitz (27-20). The Bears were up by five with a minute left after a pair of free throws from sophomore Brent Kelly (36-31), but four good free throws from Milligan lessened the gap, leaving them only down by two at half time (36-34).

The start of the second half saw both teams even more resilient, with the score neck and neck until the seven-minute mark when TMU gained a four-point lead after Enocka Franky made two free throws (59-55). The Bears held the lead until the final 30 seconds of regulation when the Buffs broke away with a 5-0 scoring run, ultimately besting the Bears with a final score of 63-67.

BY THE NUMBERS

Two Bears led the way with a double-double apiece. Franky had 24 points, 12 rebounds and two steals. Sophomore Marlon Allen followed with 11 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Kelly added six points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Freshman RJ Bryant also contributed six points and senior Xavier Latore added two assists.

UP NEXT

The Bears will face Milligan University once more in the regular season on Thursday, Feb. 11, inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena, with a tipoff at 6:30 p.m.