LAURINBURG, N.C. (Nov. 4, 2022) - The Truett McConnell University men's basketball team traveled for their Appalachian Athletic Conference opener against St. Andrews University, where the Bears opened conference play with stellar offense to secure an 88-71 victory. TMU rises to a record of 1-1, 1-0 AAC, while the Knights fall to 0-1, 0-1 AAC.

PLAY BY PLAY
The Bears were on the board early with a shot in the paint from Brent Kelly, followed by a layup from Cory Seitz. A fastbreak led to a layup from CJ Brown, followed by a jump shot from Raul Arias-Ortega and Enocka Franky. With an early lead, the Knights worked hard to close the margin. With both teams evenly matched, a layup from RJ Bryant and a free throw from Kafunba Toure recaptured the Bears lead. Two free throws from Akil Covington propelled TMU forward, where a fastbreak from Kelly ended the half with the Bears ahead 37-35.

In the second half, the Bears were first to strike with a free throw from Brown, followed by a layup from EJ Smith. A layup from Seitz and Smith paved the way, where a free throw from Smith and a jump shot from Seitz propelled the Bears forward. The Knights were left behind, seeing three consecutive shots from KJ Riley. Four free throws from Kelly and a layup from Arias-Ortega secured an 88-71 win over the Knights.

LEADERS
Kelly led the way with 14 points, going 4-4 at the free throw line, with six rebounds. Arias-Ortega followed with 14 points of his own, going 6-9 in the paint. Toure tallied 11 points on the evening, going 5-8 in the paint, while recording six rebounds. Brown recorded a notable 11 rebounds on the evening.
 
UP NEXT
The Bears return to the Benjamin F. Brady Arena for their home opener against AAC foe Point University on Tuesday, November 8. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.