KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (February 15, 2024) - On Wednesday, the Truett McConnell University women's basketball team traveled to compete in an Appalachian Athletic Conference match-up against Johnson University, where the Lady Bears played with heart but ultimately suffered a loss to the Royals, 83-77. TMU falls to a record of 9-16, 8-11 AAC, while JU rises to a record of 15-10, 13-6 AAC.

PLAY-BY-PLAY

The first quarter saw the Lady Bears hot to start with a three-pointer by Destinee Lovejoy. TMU continued to increase their score with a layup by Alexis Brewster, when the Royals final put a basket on the board. Both teams battled back and forth, eager to retain the lead, when a layup by Mahalah Stewart kept both teams even. The Lady Bears quickly fell behind as clutch shots by the Royals sent JU ahead, but TMU did not lose hope as a three-pointer by Stewart and a layup by Lovejoy, kept the Lady Bears close, entering the second quarter trailing by two, 21-23. The second quarter saw JU first to the basket, but a quick shift in momentum for the Lady Bears found three consecutive three-pointers added to TMU's score, taking the lead by seven points. Eager to regain the leading position, JU worked to disrupt the Lady Bears scoring streak. TMU did not hold back with Brinkley Kate Reed finding a good layup in the final seconds of regulation, successfully reducing the margin to one point, entering halftime trailing 40-41. 

In the third quarter, the Lady Bears once again found the lead as three pointers by Reed and  Stewart, put TMU ahead. TMU successfully retained the lead for the remainder of the quarter, putting up 20 points to JUs 17 points, entering the fourth up by two, 60-58. In the final quarter, the Royals found a change in energy, eager to once again find the lead. Three-pointers by Ava Queen and Stewart continued to keep the Lady Bears close as TMU worked to change the tide of the game. A last chance three-pointer by Brewster attempted to change the result of the game, but was ultimately not enough for the Lady Bears to take home the win, falling in a hard fought battle, 77-83.

LEADERS

Brewster led the way with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Stewart had 14 points, going 4-7 in three-pointers and 5-9 in the field. Queen was featured recording 13 points and 7 rebounds, while Reed tallied 11 points and Lovejoy had seven points.

UP NEXT

The Lady Bears will be back in action at home on Saturday, February 17, as they take on the University of Pikeville in an AAC match-up. Tip off set for 2:00 p.m.