CLEVELAND, Ga. (November 19, 2022) - On Saturday, The Truett McConnell University men's basketball team hosted Appalachian Athletic Conference opponent, Bluefield University, where the Bears were unable to respond to the Rams second half lead, ultimately falling to a final score of 81-69. TMU declines to a record of 4-3, 4-2 AAC, while the Rams rise to a record of 3-3, 2-3 AAC.
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
The Bears took an early lead with two layups from CJ Brown and a three-pointer from EJ Smith, but the Rams were quick to even the play with shots of their own. A jump shot from Enocka Franky and a shot behind the three-point arc from Raul Arias-Ortega saw TMU with the advantage, forcing Bluefield to work from behind. Both teams were neck and neck after crucial shots from the Rams bridged the gap. A three-pointer from Akil Covington and a free throw from Cooper Rubio tied the game (27-27), while goof shots at the free throw line from Franky pushed TMU ahead 31-29. With two minutes left on the clock, a dynamite dunk from Kafunba Toure and a three-pointer from Smith sent the Bears into halftime with a five-point lead (40-35).
 
In the second half, jump shots from Franky, Smith, and Arias-Ortega continued to add to the Bears lead, but the Rams did not give in as they recaptured the lead in the 14th minute. Fouls by the Bears led to multiple free throws for the Rams, leaving TMU to trail by six points. Layups from Franky, Brown and Cory Seitz left the Bears behind by only five, but the Rams were not shaken. A final dunk from Toure and two free throws from Kelly ultimately proved not enough as TMU fell 81-69.
 
LEADERS
Franky led the way with 16 points, going 4-4 at the free-throw line, along with four rebounds. Toure followed with 11 points, going 4-5 in the paint and tallied eight rebounds. Brown recorded 10 points, going 5-5 in the paint, while Smith and Arias-Ortega Individually recorded eight points of their own.
 
UP NEXT
The Bears hit the road to Cookeville, Tenn. for an exhibition match against Tennessee Tech University on Tuesday, November 22. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.