CLEVELAND, Ga (February 5, 2025)- On Wednesday, the Truett McConnell University men's basketball team hosted Tennessee Wesleyan University for an Appalachian Athletic Conference match-up where the Bears defeated the Bulldogs in a close game with a final score of 91-88. The Bears rise to a record of 10-12, 7-8. 

PLAY-BY-PLAY
In the first half, the Bulldogs put the first points on the board with Myles McCrary quickly answering with a made three. Both teams battled with layups by EJ Smith and McCrary keeping the match even. Three layups by Omari Joseph kept the score close as TWU worked to create a gap. A late run by the Bulldogs put TWU ahead by seven as both teams entered the half with a score of 54-47.

The second half saw Shawn Walker first to score for the Bears with a made lay up. Raul Arias-Ortega showed his dominance during the second half making three free throws and a lay up to tie the game. A clutch three pointer by Cooper Rubio gave the Bears the lead in the second half. The Bulldogs did not give up hope, pushing TMU to work together as a team. Made three pointers by Jadon Yeh and Rubio kept the margin slim as the Bears did their best to extend their lead. An exciting dunk late in the half by Joseph pushed the gap to five points. A late rally by TWU attempted to recover from the Bears thrilling second half, but was not enough to stop a Bears win, 91-88. 

Mc LEADERS
Rubio led the way for the Bears scoring 20 points. McCrary followed closely with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Arias-Ortega recorded 19 points. Joseph was featured tallying 13 points and three blocks, while Yeh had 12 points and seven rebounds. Smith recorded six assists respectfully. 

UP NEXT 
The Bears will travel to Laurinburg, N.C. on Saturday, February 8, to take on St. Andrews University in an AAC match up. Tip off set for 4:00pm.