COLUMBIA, S.C.(Feb. 3, 2022) - On Thursday, the Truett McConnell University men's basketball team traveled to face Appalachian Athletic Conference opponent, Columbia International University, where the Bears secured a strong 71-63 victory over the Rams. TMU increased their win streak to eight, which the most consecutive wins in program history since joining the NAIA. The Bears rose to a season record of 16-8, 12-7 AAC, while the Rams fell 13-9, 9-8 AAC.
PLAY BY PLAY
In the first half, the Rams were first to strike, but the Bears were not far behind. Two layups from Enocka Franky started the momentum, while a layup from CJ Brown and a jump shot from Brent Kelly created the first deficit of the game. Free throws from KJ Riley and Kafunba Toure put the Bears ahead by eight. The Rams retaliated quickly, cutting the deficit to two points, but a dunk from Brown and a layup from Kelly left TMU down by two at the end of the half (32-34).
In the second half, the Bears were hot out of the gate with a layup from Raul Arias-Ortega, followed by a jump shot from EJ Smith and a layup from Franky. TMU continued to trail the Rams, until a layup from Toure sparked the fire to put the game out of reach. A jump shot from Akil Covington and a layup from Riley brought the deficit to eight points, and ultimately two free throws from Kelly and Riley sealed the deal for TMU, giving them a 71-63 victory.
LEADERS
Most notable, Franky recorded a double-double on the evening with 17 points, going 7-8 at the free throw line, and recorded 10 rebounds. Riley had 17 points, going 7-8 at the free throw line and 5-9 from within the paint. Kelly contributed eight points, going 4-4 at the free throw line, and adding seven rebounds. Brown added seven points, going 3-7 from within the paint, and had six rebounds as well. Toure added 10 rebounds of his own and contributed six points, going 2-3 from within the paint.
UP NEXT
The Bears will be inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena to host AAC opponent, Montreat College, on Saturday, Feb. 5, with tip-off set for 3:30 p.m.
