CLEVELAND, Ga. (January 31, 2023) - The Truett McConnell University men's basketball team hosted Appalachian Athletic Conference rival Columbia International University inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena, where the Bears electric performance proved no match for the Rams (91-77). TMU improved to a record of 10-13, 8-11 AAC, while the Rams fell to a record of 10-11, 9-9 AAC.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Bears got to work quick with layups from Enocka Franky to gain an early advantage. The Rams responded with shots of their own to steal the lead, but a layup from Kafunba Toure and three-point shot from Brent Kelly put TMU back on top. A jump shot from Raul Arias-Ortega and CJ Brown, followed by back-to-back layups from Brown continued to widen the gap. Layups from Franky and Cory Seitz continued to push the Bears ahead, while a three-point shot and layup from EJ Smith sent TMU into the half up by three (45-42).

In the second half, the Rams quickly tied the score, but a shot in the paint from Franky kept TMU in the game. Consecutive layups from Smith and a shot in the paint from Seitz continued to add to the Bears lead, where consecutive three-pointers from Cooper Rubio and Arias-Ortega propelled TMU forward. Another clutch three-pointer from Brown paired with layups from Akil Covington and Franky grew the margin to 14 points, followed by back-to-back three-pointers from Arias Ortega to secure a 91-77 victory for the Bears.

LEADERS

Smith led the way with 18 points, going 7-11 in the paint and 2-2 at the free-throw line. Arias Ortega followed, going 4-6 behind the three-point arc and 6-10 in the paint. Kelly tallied 12 points, going 4-8 in the paint with six rebounds, while Franky had 12 points, going 6-10 in the paint with six rebounds.

UP NEXT


The Bears remain inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena for an AAC showdown against Montreat College on Tuesday, February 7. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.