ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (January 31, 2024) – On Wednesday, the Truett McConnell University women's basketball team traveled to compete in an Appalachian Athletic Conference match-up against Milligan University, where the Lady Bears played with heart, but ultimately fell in a tough battle against the Buffaloes, 86-44. TMU falls to an overall record of 8-14, 7-9 AAC, while MU rises to a record of 15-6, 12-3 AAC.
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
In the first quarter, MU was first on the board with Alexis Brewster quickly responding with a layup of her own. The Buffaloes wasted no time taking the lead, forcing the Lady Bears to work hard from behind. The Lady Bears did not lose heart, despite falling behind by 12 points, when free throws by Sydnie Smith followed by a layup by Kacie Williams worked to keep TMU in the game as they entered the second quarter, trailing 6-16. The second quarter saw the Buffaloes first to attack once more as MU worked to increase the gap. Jump shots by Carsyn Ward and Smith paired with a layup by Chloe Williams sparked the Lady Bears momentum, inspiring TMU to band together against MU's fast paced offense, proving the Lady Bears capable of decreasing the gap by six points, entering the half, 16-40.
 
In the third quarter, the Lady Bears found a change in momentum, with Lovejoy first to the basket. TMU continued to fight back, with Brewster adding two layups and a good three-pointer to the score, entering the fourth quarter, 32-58. The final quarter saw the Buffaloes attack hard offensively, adding 28 points to their already marginal lead. Final layups by Ward and Brinkley Kate Reed attempted to change the tide of the game, but was ultimately pushed too far out of reach, falling to a final score of 86-44.
 
LEADERS
Brewster led the way for the Lady Bears with 16 points and eight rebounds. Ward followed with six points, while Reed tallied five points. Lovejoy was featured contributing four points, while Smith had four points and seven assists, while going 2-2 at the free throw line.
 
UP NEXT 
TMU will be back in action at home on Saturday, February 3, as they host Tennessee Wesleyan University inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena. Tip-off set for 2:00 p.m.