CLEVELAND, Ga. (December 7, 2023) – On Thursday, the Truett McConnell University men's basketball team hosted New College of Florida for a non-conference match-up, where the Bears proved triumphant, battling the Banyans to a final score of 81-76. TMU rises to an overall record of 6-5, 4-4 AAC, while NCF falls to a record of 1-9. 
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
In the first half, TMU was first to attack with a three-pointer by Jadon Yeh, assisted by EJ Smith. TMU continued to increase their early lead with a layup by CJ Brown and a good free throw by KJ Riley. The Banyans finally made their mark on the board but was short lived as Brown recorded two more layups, paired with a three-pointer by Raul Arias-Ortega. TMU kept their lead for the remainder of the half, increasing the margin by 12 points, as a three-pointer by Cory Seitz and layups by Riley, Smith and Arias-Ortega, sent the Bears into halftime, leading 41-29.
 
The second half saw the visiting team first to score, with the Bears quickly responding with a layup by Smith. Four layups in a row, two by Seitz and one apiece from Brown and Smith, continued to show the Bears resilience, as TMU extended their lead to 14. A last chance effort by the Banyans attempted to overturn the result of the game but was ultimately unsuccessful as a layup and good free throw by Akil Covington sealed the deal on a Bears win, 81-76.
 
LEADERS
Smith led the way with 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Seitz followed closely behind with 18 points and four rebounds, while Brown was seen tallying 13 points. Riley was featured recording a double-double, with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Arias-Ortega contributed 11 points and Yeh with seven points. Covington recorded six assists respectfully.
 
UP NEXT
TMU will be back in action on Tuesday, December 12 as the Bears travel to Laurinburg, N.C. to face St. Andrews University in an Appalachian Athletic Conference match-up. Tip-off set for 4:00 p.m.