CLEVELAND, Ga. (December 6, 2025) – On Saturday, the Truett McConnell University men's basketball team secured a dominating Appalachian Athletic Conference win at home, defeating Union Commonwealth University 96-78. TMU rises to an overall record of 5-5, 3-2 AAC. 
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
TMU jumped out to an early lead and quickly took control as Preston Tuggle opened the scoring with a momentum-shifting dunk. The Bears continued with Emanuel Befekadu and Shawn Walker knocking down multiple three-pointers to fuel a fast offensive start. Isaac Brito-Vasquez and Jadon Yeh attacked the paint, converting on key drives and turnovers. By halftime, the Bears had built a strong lead with a dunk from Walker and another three to close the half, 58-36. 
 
Into the second half, Tuggle and Walker continued finishing strong at the rim, while Befekadu added more three-pointers. Calvin Carter II, Ryan Neal, and Preston Kent provided steady contributions on both ends of the floor. Late baskets by Befekadu and Brito-Vasquez sealed the momentum as the Bears controlled the pace through the final minutes, resulting in a dominant 96-78 home victory. 
 
LEADERS
Walker led the way with 23 points going 9-11 in field goals and a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc. Befekadu followed recording 17 points, connecting on five three-pointers. Tuggle added 14 points, while Brito-Vasquez contributed 13 points and six assists.
 
UP NEXT
TMU will host AAC Opponent Columbia College Wednesday, December 10, for an AAC match-up inside the Benjamin F. Brady Arena. Tip-off set for 7:30 p.m.