CLEVELAND, Ga. (Jan. 29, 2022) - On Saturday, the Truett McConnell University men's basketball team hosted Appalachian Athletic Conference competitor, Bluefield College, inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena, where the Bears bested the Rams, 87-62. TMU improved to a six game win streak, which is the longest conference win streak in program history. The previous record was a five game conference win streak set back in the 2017-18 season. TMU rose to a record of 14-8, 10-7 AAC, while Bluefield fell 11-8, 10-6 AAC.

PLAY BY PLAY

In the first half, the Bears struggled to find their momentum, but managed to keep close to the Rams. A layup from CJ Brown and Enocka Franky sparked the intensity, reducing the deficit to three points. Two back-to-back shots in the paint from Kafunba Toure and a layup from Seitz brought TMU within one and a layup from KJ Riley gave them the lead. The Bears took their first lead of the game with two free throws from Brown and a layup from Raul Ortega-Arias. A jump-shot from Riley and three point shot from Arias-Ortega created an eight point deficit. The Rams worked their way back, but TMU was still ahead by two going into the half (39-37).

In the second half, the Bears continued to add to their lead with a three point shot from Arias-Ortega and jumpers from Franky. The Rams were aggressive and managed to capture the lead for the last time, but TMU fought with heart. A three point shot from Brent Kelly and three shots from Seitz put the Bears up by 14. Kafunba Toure had a dunk, followed by an EJ Smith three pointer to seal the game. Three layups from Smith, Seitz and Kelly created a 24 point deficit. The Bears rounded out with a jump shot from Caleb Raines to secure the 87-62 victory.

LEADERS

Arias-Ortega led the way offensively with 17 points, going 6-12 in the paint and 2-2 at the free throw line. Toure followed with 13 points, going 6-11 in the paint, and adding four rebounds. Kelly had 12 points on the evening, going 5-9 from within the paint and 1-1 at the free throw line. Seitz led the way defensively, tallying seven rebounds, and tallying 12 points. Franky had nine points, going 3-4 at the free throw line, and contributing six rebounds.

UP NEXT

The Bears will stay inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena to host St. Andrews University on Tuesday, Feb. 1. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.