COLUMBIA, S.C. (January 3, 2023) - The Truett McConnell University men's basketball team hit the road for an Appalachian Athletic Conference match-up against Columbia International University, where the Bears fell 74-109. TMU falls to a record of 6-9, 4-7 AAC, while the Rams rise to 6-7, 5-5 AAC.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Bears sparked their momentum with a three-point shot from Brent Kelly, followed by a layup from Enocka Franky. The Rams quickly took the lead with three-point shots of their own. Layups from RJ Bryant and Kelly worked to cut the deficit, but the Rams maintained their lead until another shot behind the three-point arc from Kelly brought TMU within one. The Rams worked quickly and created a large margin, where free-throws and a three-pointer from Kelly sent the Bears into the half trailing, 34-57.

In the second half, a pair of free throws from CJ Brown and a layup from EJ Smith worked to cut the Ram's lead, but the Rams were persistent. Free throws from Kelly and Raul Arias-Ortega were paired with a layup from Akil Covington to add to the Bear's score. A three-pointer from Smith and back-to-back layups from Covington continued to chip at the Ram's lead. The Rams continued to add to their lead with jump shots of their own. A three-point shot from Micah McAllister and a layup from Anderson Mwasele were the Bears final hope, but ultimately TMU fell 74-109.

LEADERS

Kelly led the way with 20 points, going 4-4 at the three-point line and 4-6 at the free-throw line. Franky followed with 14 points, going 7-14 in the paint, while Smith tallied seven points, going 3-5 in the paint. CJ Brown recorded six points, going 2-2 at the free-throw line.

UP NEXT

The Bears remain on the road for an AAC showdown on Saturday, January 7, against Kentucky Christian University. Tip-off is set for 4:00 p.m.