LAKELAND, Fla. (December 16, 2022) - The Truett McConnell University men's basketball team traveled to face No. 10 Florida College in the SEU Classic, where the Bears offensive fire in the first half led to an upset of the Falcons (81-74). TMU rises to a record of 6-7, while the Falcons fall to 12-2.

PLAY BY PLAY
The Bears fell behind at the start, but a layup from Brent Kelly kept TMU competitive. A shot behind the three-point arc from CJ Brown secured the Bears first lead of the game. The Falcons were persistent and capable of stealing the advantage, but TMU quickly recaptured the lead with back-to-back three-point shots from EJ Smith and Kelly. Both teams were neck-and-neck until a three-pointer and layup from Akil Covington created a large deficit. A layup from Kafunba Toure followed by a three-point shot from Covington continued to add to the Bears lead, while a three-pointer from Kelly closed the first half with TMU ahead 52-43.

In the second half, the Bears were hot out of the gates with another three-pointer from Kelly and a shot in the paint from Raul Arias-Ortega. TMU continued to add to their lead, forcing the Falcons to work from behind. Two free throws from Cooper Rubio and layups from Toure kept the Bears ahead, until the Falcons cut the deficit to two points. Three free throws from Kelly kept FC at bag until multiple shots in the paint allowed the Falcons to take the lead in the final minutes. With minimal time remaining, a clutch layup and three-point shot from Arias-Ortega ultimately put the game out of reach as TMU secured an 81-74 upset over the Falcons.

LEADERS

Kelly led the way with 17 points, going 3-3 at the free-throw line and 4-6 behind the three-point arc. Toure followed with a double-double and recorded 14 points with 12 rebounds, going 4-4 at the free-throw line. Arias-Ortega and Covington tallied 11 points apiece, where Arias-Ortega was 5-13 in the paint while Covington was 3-3 behind the three-point arc.

UP NEXT
The Bears remain in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, December 17 to face Southeastern University in the final day of the SEU Classic. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.