BARBOURVILLE, Ky. (January 28, 2023) - The Truett McConnell University men's basketball team traveled to face Appalachian Athletic Conference opponent Union College, where an a strong first half from the Bears was ultimately no match for Unions sharp shooters (78-84). TMU falls to a record of 9-13, 7-11 AAC, while the Buffs rise to 21-1, 19-0 AAC.
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
Both teams were neck-and-neck from the beginning, featuring a layup from Raul Arias-Ortega to put TMU on the board followed by a tip-in from EJ Smith. The Buffs responded with shots of their own, but a dunk from Enock Franky cut the deficit to three. A shot behind the three-point arc from Arias-Ortega and layup from Brent Kelly cut the deficit to one. A three-pointer from Cooper Rubio and layup from CJ Brown tied the game and a three-point shot from Smith recaptured TMU's lead. The Buffs stole the lead in the final seconds, but a layup from Akil Covington sent TMU into the half trailing by one (43-44).
 
In the second half, the Bears were hot out of the gates with a layup from Brown and three-point shot from Kelly to take the lead. The Buffs responded with multiple shots to create a large gap. Layups from Smith, Rubio and Cory Seitz continued to cut at the lead, but the Buffs retaliated with shots to maintain their advantage. Free throws from Franky and a three-point shot from Brown gave the Bears hope, but free throws from Kelly proved not enough as the Bears fell, 78-84.

LEADERS
Smith led the way with 16 points, going 6-13 in the paint and 1-2 at the free-throw line with nine rebounds. Brown followed with 14 points, going 5-8 in the paint and 3-5 at the free-throw line. Arias-Ortega recorded 13 points, going 5-10 in the paint and 2-4 behind the three-point arc. Kelly tallied seven points, going 2-6 in the paint and 2-2 at the free-throw line.
 
UP NEXT
The Bears return to the Benjamin F. Brady Arena on Tuesday, January 31 to face AAC foe Columbia International University Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.