ATHENS, Tenn. (January 22, 2024) – On Monday, the Truett McConnell University women's basketball team traveled to compete in an Appalachian Athletic Conference match-up hosted by Tennessee Wesleyan University, where the Lady Bears fell in a tough battle with the Bulldogs, 51-43. TMU falls to an overall record of 6-13, 6-8 AAC, while TWU rises to a record of 8-7, 6-7 AAC. 
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
In the first quarter, TWU was first on the board with Alexis Brewster not far behind, putting up a good jump shot and layup. The Bulldogs were eager to keep up with the Lady Bears, responding with a jump shot of their own, but a layup by Mahalah Stewart and a good jump shot by Kayleigh Kelley, kept TMU in the lead by three. Both teams continued to battle, with TWU finding momentum to take the last-minute lead by one, entering the second quarter, 10-11. The second quarter saw TMU up first with a jump shot by Brewster to regain the lead. Three consecutive three pointers by the Bulldogs threatened ultimately created an eight-point gap between the two teams, forcing the Lady Bears to work from behind. The remainder of the quarter fell scoreless, as both teams failed to connect with a basket, entering the half trailing by seven, 16-23.
 
The third quarter began with the Lady Bears first to score with a good free throw by Stewart. A swift change in energy for the Bulldogs found TWU putting up 10 points over the Lady Bears, but TMU did not falter, putting back up eight points in response, featuring a three pointer by Stewart, a layup by Kacie Williams and a jump shot by Ava Queen, as they entered the fourth quarter trailing by four (33-37). In the final quarter, the Bulldogs gained a final burst of energy, putting up 14 points to the Lady Bears 10. TMU's Brewster found herself with a good jump shot and layup in the final seconds of regulation but was ultimately not enough to change the result of the game, falling to a final score of 43-51.
 
LEADERS
Brewster led the way for the Lady Bears with 16 points and three rebounds, while going 7-13 in the field. Stewart followed with seven points and three rebounds, while Queen and K. Williams, and Kelley had four points apiece, with Queen tallying 11 rebounds respectfully.
 
UP NEXT
TMU will be back in action on Wednesday, January 24, as they travel to face Toccoa Falls College in a non-conference match-up. Tip-off set for 5:00 p.m.