KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (January 25, 2023) - The Truett McConnell University women's basketball team traveled to face Appalachian Athletic Conference foe Johnson University, where the Lady Bears lost grasp of securing a win in the final minutes (50-57). TMU falls to a record of 5-15, 4-13 AAC, while the Royals rise to 7-12, 5-11 AAC.

PLAY BY PLAY
The Lady Bears saw a shot in the paint from Kacie Williams, followed by back-to-back free throw from Alysee Dobbs. Layups from WIlliams and Camilla Callihan continued to add to TMU's score, keeping the Royals at bay. A free throw from Lila Luettich paired with a layup from Callihan sent the Lady Bears into the second quarter with an 11-8 lead. In the second quarter, the Royals quickly tied the score with shots of their own. Two consecutive shots in the paint from Callihan recaptured TMUs' lead, followed by a layup from Dobbs. The Royals quickly took the lead with shots of their own, where layups from Dobbs worked to cut the deficit going into the half (22-29).

In the third quarter, a free throw from Sydnie Smith and layup from Dobbs continued to cut at the Royal's lead. Shots in the paint from Quan Holton and Destinee Lovejoy added to the Lady Bears score. Two free throws from Lovejoy cut the Royal's lead to six points going into the final quarter (36-42). In the fourth quarter, a layup from Holton and a pair of free throws from Lovejoy cut the margin to two, where a clutch layup from Callihan tied the score. Both teams were neck-and-neck, when a jump shot from Smith and layup from Holton brought TMU within five. A shot in the paint from Callihan was the Lady Bears final hope, leaving TMU to fall (50-57).

LEADERS
Callihan led the way with 12 points, going 6-16 in the paint with five rebounds. Holton followed with 11 points, going 5-7 in the paint with six rebounds. Dobbs recorded 10 points, going 4-8 in the paint with eight rebounds. Lovejoy tallied eight points, going 4-4 at the free-throw line and 2-5 in the paint.

UP NEXT
The Lady Bears remain on the road in Barbourville, Ky. on Saturday, January 28 to face AAC opponent Union College. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m.