WEST POINT, Ga. (December 30, 2023) – On Saturday, the Truett McConnell University men's basketball team traveled to compete against Point University for a non-conference match-up, where the Bears fell in the final seconds with a score of 58-57. TMU falls to an overall record of 7-6, while PU rises to a record of 6-7.
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
In the first half, PU was first on the board, creating an early lead by the Skyhawks. KJ Riley quickly responded with a layup in the paint. The Skyhawks continued to hold their place, when a layup by Raul Arias-Ortega, followed by back-to-back layups by EJ Smith, decreased the deficit. Both teams continued to battle to secure the lead, when a jump shot by Riley, followed by two good free throws by Smith, and a layup by Arias-Ortega gave TMU hope, entering the half 19-24.
 
The second half saw the Skyhawks once again first to score, with Jadon Yeh responding with two good free throws. A layup by Cory Seitz and a tip-in by Smith, paired with a good three-pointer by Yeh proved to be enough to decrease the deficit to four points. Two free throws from Riley and another three-pointer from Yeh gave the Bears the ability to take the lead. TMU continued to work together to hold their position, when two last chance free throws by the Skyhawks proved to be the difference maker, resulting in a heartbreaking loss for the Bears with a final score of 57-58.
 
LEADERS
Yeh led the way for the Bears with 12 points, four rebounds, while going 3-4 at the free throw line. Smith followed with 11 points and five rebounds, going 3-4 in free throws, while Riley tallied 10 points and six rebounds. Arias-Ortega was featured recording nine points, while CJ Brown contributed six points and six rebounds. Seitz tallied six points and five assists, respectfully.
 
UP NEXT
TMU will be back in action at home on Tuesday, January 2, as they host Columbia International University for an Appalachian Athletic Conference match-up, inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena. Tip-off set for 2:00 p.m.