CLEVELAND, Ga. (January 2, 2023) – On Saturday the Truett McConnell University men's basketball team hosted Columbia International University for an Appalachian Athletic Conference match-up, where the Bears played with heart but where ultimately unable to secure the win, falling to a final score of 77-62. TMU falls to an overall record of 7-7, 5-5 AAC, while CIU rises to a record of 10-5, 9-2 AAC.
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY          
In the first half, CIU was first on the board with EJ smith quickly responding with a layup, followed by a jump shot by Cainan Wright. Both teams battled to take the early lead, when a jump shot by Akil Covington followed by a good free throw, sent TMU ahead by one. The Bears continued to hold their own, with layups by Cory Seitz and Raul Arias-Ortega, paired with a three pointer from Jadon Yeh, to increase TMU's lead by seven. Eagar to change the first half's fate, the Rams forced a change in momentum enough to put the Bears behind by eight, as both teams entered the half, 30-38.
 
In the second half, both teams were slow to start, leaving the first three minutes of the half without a basket. CIU final found a good shot, with Smith once again not far behind, putting up a good jump shot in response. Eagar to increase their lead, the Rams forced the Bears to work from behind, increasing the margin by 18 points. TMU did not lose heart as four good free throws by KJ Riley and a three pointer by Smith worked to close the gap to an 11 point deficit. A last chance layup by Wright, attempted to give the Bears a chance at a win, but was ultimately not enough to come out on top, falling to a final score of 62-77.
 
LEADERS
Smith led the way for the Bears with 17 points, going 6-6 at the free throw line. Wright followed with 10 points and four rebounds, while Yeh contributed nine points. Covington was featured recording seven points and four rebounds, followed by Riley with six points, and Seitz with five points and eight rebounds, respectfully.
 
UP NEXT
The Bears will be back in action on Saturday, January 6, as they host Johnson University for an AAC match-up, inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena. Tip off-set for 4:00 p.m.