CLEVELAND, Ga. (January 22, 2022) - On Saturday, the Truett McConnell University men's basketball team faced Appalachian Athletic Conference competitor, Milligan University, where the Bears prevailed through a grueling double overtime match up with the Buffaloes (91-87). TMU improved to a record of 12-8, 8-7 AAC, while Milligan fell to a record of 3-14, 2-12 AAC. 

PLAY-BY-PLAY

Milligan earned a quick lead at the start of the first half, but it didn't take long for the Bears to put the lead in reach after a KJ Riley three-pointer (12-13). The Buffaloes gained momentum to force TMU to work under pressure, leaving the score 27-37 at the half. The second half saw the Bears increase in speed as they stole the lead after a good shot in the paint by by EJ Smith (49-47). Both teams were even in play for the remainder of the half, forcing the game into overtime (70-70). 

Brent Kelly struck first for the Bears with a shot in the paint (72-70), followed by a layup from Kafunba Toure (74-70). TMU secures the upper hand with 11 seconds remaining, but a final shot from Milligan forced the game into a second overtime period (81-81). Kelly struck first once more with a shot in the paint, while a shot in the paint from Enocka Franky put TMU up by four (87-83). Four good free throws by Riley ultimately helped secure the win for the Bears, with a final score of 91-87. 

LEADERS

Riley led the way with 18 points, while going 5-8 at the free throw line and 3-5 at the three-point arc. Kelly had 17 points, six assists, seven rebounds and went 7-8 at the free throw line. Franky recorded 16 points, eight rebounds and went 6-9 at the free throw line, followed by CJ Brown who had 14 points and went 6-8 at the free throw line. Smith had 13 points and eight rebounds, while Raul Arias-Ortega had five points, Cory Seitz had four points and Toure had four points and six assists. 

UP NEXT

The Bears are inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 26, where they will face Tennessee Wesleyan University at 7:30 p.m.