CLEVELAND, Ga. (February 7, 2023) - The Truett McConnell University men's basketball team hosted Appalachian Athletic Conference foe Montreat College inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena, where the Bears lose in heartbreaking fashion in overtime play (81-83). TMU falls to a record of 10-15, 8-13 AAC, while the Rams rise to 15-9, 13-8 AAC.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Bears were quick on the board with a three-point shot from EJ Smith and layups from Kafunba Toure and Enocka Franky. The Cavaliers quickly responded with shots of their own to stay within margin, but back-to-back three pointers from CJ Brown and Cooper Rubio propelled the Bears forward. A shot behind the three-point arc from Raul Arias-Ortega and layups from Brown contributed to TMU's lead. A layup from Brent Kelly paired with free throws and a tip-in from Toure sent the Bears into the half with a strong lead (48-36). 

In the second half, the Bears continued their offensive fire with a layup from Arias-Ortega and three-point shot from Kelly. A layup from Cory Seitz grew the deficit to 18, until the Cavaliers momentum sparked with multiple shots to cut the deficit to four. A layup from Toure and free throws from Smith kept the Bears ahead, when a clutch three from the Cavaliers cut the lead to two. Both teams were neck-and-neck when a free throw from the Cavaliers gave them their first lead of the game. A clutch shot in the paint from Kelly tied the game, sending TMU into overtime (75-75).

In overtime, the Cavaliers were first to score but two consecutive free throws from Arias-Ortega recaptured TMU's lead. The Cavaliers quickly jumped ahead with multiple shots, when three clutch free throws from Arias-Ortega brought TMU within one. A final free throw from Akil Covington proved not enough as the Bears fell, 81-83.

LEADERS

Kelly led the way with 17 points, going 7-8 at the free throw line with five rebounds. Arias-Ortega also tallied 17 points, going 4-9 in the paint and 8-9 at the free-throw line. Smith recorded eight points, going 3-5 at the free-throw line with five rebounds. Franky tallied eight points, going 3-6 in the paint and 2-2 at the free-throw line.

UP NEXT


The Bears remain inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena for an AAC match-up against Kentucky Christian University on Thursday, February 9. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.