KINGSPORT, Tenn. (February 28, 2024) – On Wednesday, the No. 10 Truett McConnell University men's basketball team traveled to compete in the opening round of the Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament. The Bears faced No. 7 Reinhardt University where they extended their stay after shutting down the Eagles, 95-72. TMU improved to a record of 12-17, while moving on to the next round. 
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
TMU opened the first half with a layup by Akil Covington, placing the Bears on the board first. The Eagles quickly responded with a layup eager to remain even with the Bears, but TMU was not shaken as a three-pointer by EJ Smith followed by a layup by Cory Seitz, sent TMU ahead. A late burst of momentum in the first half saw the Eagles close to tying up the game, but a clutch three pointer followed by a fast-break layup by Raul Arias-Ortega, kept the opposing team out of range. A final good free throw by Covington continued to increase the Bears lead as both teams entered the half, 40-33. 
 
The second half saw CJ Brown first to the basket with a good layup in the paint. TMU continued to prove to be a tough competitor, increasing the gap to 12 points with a good layup and free throw by KJ Riley. The Bears showed no mercy for the remainder of the half widening the gap by 26 points when final layups by Covington and a dunk by Kevin Hull solidified the Bears win, taking down the Eagles in dominating fashion, 95-72.
 
LEADERS
Arias-Ortega led the way for the Bears, tallying 18 points and three steals, while going 7-14 in the field and 4-8 at the three-point arch. Riley followed with 16 points and six rebounds, going 7-8 in field goals. Smith was featured contributing 13 points and four rebounds, while Seitz and Jadon Yeh tallied 10 points apiece, with Seitz recording seven rebounds and Yeh recording five rebounds. 
 
UP NEXT
The Bears will remain in Kingsport, Tenn. for the semi-final round of the AAC tournament on Thursday, February 29 against No. 2 University of Pikeville. Game time set for 3:30 p.m.