ASHEVILLE, N.C. (January 4, 2025) - On Saturday, the Truett McConnell University men's basketball team traveled to compete in an Appalachian Athletic Conference match-up against Montreat College where the Bears suffered a tough loss, 80-79.

PLAY-BY-PLAY
Both teams battled in the first half eager to retain the early lead. Good layups by Myles McCrary and a three-pointer by Cooper Rubio continued to give the Bears a fighting chance. Three layups by McCrary, paired with made free throws by EJ Smith, shortened the gap to one possession as TMU entered the half trailing by two, 35-37. In the second half, TMU took the lead as a dunk by McCrary paired with a layup by Shawn Walker, increased the Bears score. The Bears held control of the game for the majority of the half, working together to secure a win. A late burst of momentum by the Cavaliers ultimately tied up the game when a last chance layup by the opposing team put MC ahead for the win, 80-79.

LEADERS  
Walker led the way for the Bears, recording a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. McCrary was also featured recording a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Smith tallied 14 points and nine rebounds, while Raul Arias-Ortega had 12 points and three rebounds.

UP NEXT
TMU will be back in action at the Benjamin F. Brady Arena on Tuesday, January 7, as the Bears host Bryan College for an AAC match-up. Tip off set for 7:30 p.m.