CLEVELAND, Ga. (November 26, 2024) - On Tuesday, the Truett McConnell University men's basketball team hosted Bluefield University for an Appalachian Athletic Conference match-up where the Bears proved to be a tough contender, securing the win after forcing the game into overtime,  94-91. TMU rises to an overall record of 3-3, 1-2 AAC.

PLAY-BY-PLAY
A three pointer by EJ Smith placed the Bears up first at the beginning of the half. A good layup by Myles McCrary followed by a three-pointer by Raul Arias-Ortega set the pace as TMU looked to control the game. A late run by the visiting team ultimately managed to tie up the match, forcing TMU to Bear down against the Rams. Three-pointers by Jadon Yeh and Arias-Ortega, paired with a layup by McCrary ultimately gave the Bears the lead, entering the half up by slim margins, 45-40. 

The second half saw the Rams turn up the heat, eager to walk away with a win. A three-pointer by Yeh, followed by layups by McCrary, continued to keep the Bears in the lead as both teams battled for victory. A late run by BU threatened the resukt of the game as TMU fell behind by slim margins, but two clutch free throws by Yeh ultimately tied up the score forcing the match up into overtime, 87-87. In overtime, both teams gave it there all eager to earn the win. Layups by both teams kept the score close with the Rams pulling ahead by two. TMU was not shaken working together to win the game, when final made free throws by Yeh once again pushed the Bears to victory (94-91).

LEADERS
McCrary led the way with 22 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Smith followed with 19 points and five assists, while Arias-Ortega recorded 18 points, five rebounds and five assists. Yeh was featured tallying 17 points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Shawn Walker had seven rebounds. 

UP NEXT
TMU will be back in on Wednesday, December 4 as they host Carolina Christian College for a non-conference match-up inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena. Tip-off set for 11:00 a.m.