ATHENS, Tenn. (January 22, 2024) – On Monday, the Truett McConnell University men's basketball team traveled to compete in an Appalachian Athletic Conference match-up hosted by Tennessee Wesleyan University, where the Bears found themselves unable to bridge the gap against the Bulldogs, falling to a final score of 76-69. TMU falls to an overall record of 9-10, 7-8 AAC, while TWU rises to a record of 6-9, 6-8 AAC. 
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
In the first half, TWU was first to act, with EJ Smith responding with a good three-pointer. Both teams battled early to take the lead when back-to-back layups by Cainan Wright put TMU up by six. The Bears continued to increase their lead with a three-pointer by Smith and a layup by CJ Brown creating a five-point gap. Eagar to increase the scoring deficit, two made free throws by Jadon Yeh and a three-pointer by Cooper Rubio pushed the Bears forward over the opposing team by 10. The Bears continued to hold their lead, creating space as the first half ended, when two jump shots by the Bulldogs decreased TMU's lead to five, entering the half 35-30.
 
The second half saw the Bulldogs first to the basket, eager to decrease the margin created by the Bears in the first half. A jump shot by Yeh and a layup by Smith kept the Bulldogs at bay but was short lived as a 10 consecutive points by TWU pushed the Bulldogs ahead. TMU worked to recover from the Bulldogs strong second half performance, but were ultimately unable to bridge the gap, falling to TWU, 69-76.
 
LEADERS
Smith led the way for the Bears with 20 points and nine rebounds. Wright followed with a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds while Yeh contributed 11 points, six rebounds and five assists. Brown was featured tallying eight points and five rebounds while Cory Seitz had eight points and four rebounds, respectfully.
 
UP NEXT
TMU will be back in action at home, Wednesday, January 24, as they host Bryan College for an AAC match-up inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena. Tip-off set for 7:30 p.m.