CLEVELAND, Ga. (Feb.  19, 2022) - On Saturday, the Truett McConnell University men's basketball team hosted Appalachian Athletic Conference opponent, Kentucky Christian University, inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena. The Bears played with heart in their final regular season matchup, but fell to a final score of 76-77. TMU's record fell 18-11, 14-10 AAC, while KCU rose 6-20, 6-17 AAC.

PLAY BY PLAY

In the first half, the Bears were quick to jump on the Knights with a good three-point shot from EJ Smith. The Knights briefly jumped ahead but it was quickly shut down by the Bears with multiple layups by Brent Kelly and CJ Brown. Within minutes the Bears widened the gap to 7-19 with good free throws, jumpers, and a dunk by KJ Riley. Enocka Franky, Riley, Kelly, and Smith kept the energy as the Bears finished the half with a huge lead of 27-46.

In the second half, the Knights were first to score, eager to decrease the deficit. Good layups and three-pointers by Riley, Franky, and Brown kept the Knights from taking the lead. Good free throws from KCU helped push them to decrease the deficit to a one point game. The Knights were capable of securing the win with one lady jumper, resulting in TMU suffering a 77-76 loss.

LEADERS

Riley led the way offensively with 20 points on the evening, going 7-7 at the free throw line, and grabbing a single rebound. Franky followed with 14 points, going 6-9 within the paint, and led with 10 rebounds. Brown was followed with 11 points, going 2-2 at the free throw line and contributed four rebounds. Kelly finished with nine points and five rebounds. Smith tallied seven points and three rebounds, while Kafunba Toure tallied nine rebounds.

UP NEXT

The Bears will return back to the Benjamin F. Brady Arena to host AAC opponent, on Monday, Feb. 21 for an AAC Play-In game. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.