DAYTON, Tenn. (February 14, 2023) - The Truett McConnell University men's basketball team traveled to face Appalachian Athletic Conference opponent Bryan College, where the Bears' strong first half was not enough for the Lions' offensively led second half (80-89). TMU falls to a record of 12-15, 10-13 AAC, while the Lions rise to 14-13, 14-9 AAC.

PLAY-BY-PLAY
The Bears were quick to capture the lead with a layup from CJ Brown and three-point shot from EJ Smith. Layups from Brown and Raul Arias-Ortega kept TMU ahead, seeing a layup from Cory Seitz and shot behind the three-point arc from Arias-Ortega to propel the Bears forward. The Lions responded with shots of their own to close the gap, but layups from Arias-Ortega and Enocka Franky created a large margin. The Bears continued to add to their lead with shots in the paint from Akil Covington and Brown, paired with back-to-back three-point shots from Brent Kelly and Cooper Rubio to send TMU into the half with an eight-point lead (39-31).

In the second half, the Bears were hot out of the gates with a three-pointer from Smith followed by layups from Brown and Smith. The Lions were quick to cut at the deficit, but a layup from Franky and Seitz helped the Bears keep a steady lead. Shots from the Lions recaptured the advantage, but a layup from Kafunba Toure saw both teams neck-and-neck. Consecutive three-point shots from the Lions stole the lead from TMU and created a large margin. In the final minutes, a layup from Brown and clutch shot behind the three-point arc from Smith worked to bridge the gap. The Bears saw a final layup from Arias-Ortega, but was ultimately not enough as the Bears fell, 80-89.

LEADERS
Smith led the way with 18 points, going 4-8 behind the three-point arc and 2-5 at the free-throw line. Brown followed with 15 points, going 7-11 in the paint with five rebounds. Arias-Ortega tallied 15 points, going 5-10 in the paint and 4-5 at the free-throw line, while Franky had 13 points, going 6-10 in the paint with three rebounds. Kelly contributed six points, going 2-4 behind the three-point arc with nine rebounds. 

UP NEXT
The Bears return to the Benjamin F. Brady Arena on Saturday, February 18 for their final AAC show-down against Union College. Tip-off is set for 4:00 p.m.