MILLIGAN COLLEGE, Tenn. (January 14, 2023) - The Truett McConnell University men's basketball team traveled to face Appalachian Athletic Conference competitor Milligan University, where the Bear's strong offensive second half propelled them past the Buffs (84-75). TMU rises to a record of 8-10, 6-8 AAC, while the Buffaloes fall to a record of 5-12, 5-9 AAC.

PLAY BY PLAY

Both teams were evenly matched from the start, where two consecutive layups from Enocka Franky gave the Bears an early lead. A jump shot from CJ Brown and a three-point shot from Brent Kelly propelled the Bears forward, where the Buffs responded with shots of their own. A clutch three-pointer from Micah McAllister paired with two free throws continued to add to TMU's lead. A three-point shot from the Buffs tied the game when back-to-back three-pointers from EJ Smith and Kelly sparked the Bears' momentum. Layups from Smith and Kafunba Toure sent TMU into the half with a two-point advantage over the Buffs (38-36).

In the second half, the Buffs were quick to tie the game and steal the lead from the Bears. A fastbreak layup from Cory Seitz and a shot behind the three-point arc from Smith brought TMU within one, where a pair of free throws from Toure gave the Bears the lead. Both teams were neck-and-neck until pivotal three-point shots from Cooper Rubio and McAllister gave TMU the advantage, combined with layups from McAllister to create a large deficit. The Buffs worked to chip away at the large deficit when five free throws from Toure secured the Bear's 84-75 victory.

LEADERS
McAllister led the way with 20 points, going 4-5 behind the three-point arc and 7-10 in the paint. Kelly followed with 15 points, going 4-4 at the free-throw line with seven rebounds. Toure recorded 11 points, going 7-8 at the free-throw line with six rebounds. Smith tallied 10 points, going 4-8 in the paint and 2-6 behind the three-point arc.

UP NEXT
The Bears remain on the road for AAC match-up on Tuesday, January 17 against Point University in West Point, Ga. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.