MILLIGAN, Tenn. (November 16, 2024) - On Saturday the Truett McConnell University men's basketball team traveled to face Milligan University for their Appalachian Athletic Conference opener, where the Bears fell to the Buffaloes, 93-83. TMU falls to an overall record of 2-2, 0-1 AAC. 
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
In the first half TMU was first to score with a layup by Raul Arias-Ortega. Both teams battled early keeping the match-up even, featuring a jump shot by Jadon Yeh and a layup by Preston Tuggle. A 13-point run by the opposing team pushed MU ahead forcing the Bears to work hard from behind. Layups by Arias-Ortega, paired with a good jump shot by EJ Smith continued to decrease the gap as TMU attempted to disrupt the Buffaloes momentum. Final consecutive layups by Myles McCrary followed by a good three-pointer by RJ Bryant ultimately sent both teams into the half, with TMU trailing by 12 points, 46-34.
 
The second half saw TMU again first to add to the board with a tip-in by Shawn Walker. Layups by Tuggle, Arias-Ortega and Smith continued to propel the Bears forward as TMU worked to bounce back for a win. A final three-pointer by Smith and a layup by Cooper Rubio gave the Bears hope but ultimately was not enough to change the outcome of the game, falling to a final score of 93-83.
 
LEADERS
Smith led the way with 24 points, six rebounds and four assists, while going 10-15 in field goals. Arias-Ortega followed with 19 points, while McCrary tallied 16 points and seven rebounds. Yeh was featured recording 11 points, five rebounds and four assists. 
 
UP NEXT
The Bears will be back in action on Wednesday, November 20, as they travel to face AAC opponent Columbia International University. Tip-off set for 7:30 p.m.