BLUEFIELD, Va. (February 11, 2023) - The Truett McConnell University men's basketball team traveled to face Appalachian Athletic Conference member Bluefield College, where the Bears rallied together to secure a 76-72 victory over the Rams. TMU rises to a record of 12-14, 10-12 AAC, while the Rams fall to 9-17, 8-14 AAC.

PLAY-BY-PLAY
The Rams were first to score to secure an early lead, but a layup from Raul Arias-Ortega and three-pointer from Enocka Franky quickly evened the game. A three-point shot from EJ Smith and shot in the paint from Arias-Ortega created a large margin. Layups from Arias-Ortega and CJ Brown grew the Bear's lead, paired with a shot behind the three-point arc from Smith. The Rams responded with shots of their own to recapture the lead, but the Bears saw a lay-up from Arias-Ortega and three-point shot from Smith to send TMU into the half up 39-37.

In the second half, both teams continued to battle, but the Rams quickly stole the lead once again. Shots from Smith, Akil Covington and Cory Seitz worked to close the margin. Back-to-back three-pointers from Brent Kelly and Brown sparked the Bears' momentum, followed by layups from Arias-Ortega and Micah McAllister to keep TMU rolling. A clutch dunk from Kafunba Toure and jump shot from Covington brought the Bears within one, seeing consecutive layups from Arias-Ortega to keep the lead. With seconds left, Arias-Ortega contributed five good free throws to ultimately give the Bears a 76-72 victory over the Rams. 

LEADERS
Arias-Ortega led the way with 24 points, going 10-13 at the free-throw line and 7-13 in the paint. Smith followed with 14 points, going 4-7 behind the three-point arc with two rebounds. Brown recorded 11 points, going 4-5 at the free-throw line and 3-5 in the paint. Franky tallied seven points, going 1-1 behind the three-point arc with five rebounds.

UP NEXT
The Bears remain on the road and head to Dayton, Tennessee on Tuesday, February 14 to face AAC foe Bryan College. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.