KINGSPORT, Tenn. (February 25, 2026) – On Tuesday, the No. 8 Truett McConnell University men's basketball team traveled to face the No. 9 seeded Bryan College in the first round of the Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament where the Bears ultimately suffer a tough loss to the Lions, 62-57. TMU concludes the 2025-26 season with an overall record of 12-16, 9-10 AAC.
 
Two members of the TMU Men's Basketball were featured earning post-season awards including Jadon Yeh on the AAC All-Conference First Team, Calvin Carter II on the AAC All-Freshman Team and Eli Underwood on the AAC Champions of Character Team. Eight Bears were featured earning spots on the AAC All-Academic Team including Omari Joseph, David Kedar, Jacob Lee, Ryan Neal, Peyton Rice, Titus Smith, Underwood and Yeh.
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
TMU set the tone early at the free-throw line as Jadon Yeh and Preston Kent combined for the Bears' first three points before Kent knocked down a three from a Yeh assist. After the Lions briefly moved in front, the Bears answered through their defense and offense, highlighted by a steal from Yeh that led to Isaac Brito-Vasquez converting a fast-break layup and Shawn Walker finishing through contact to tie the game at 8-8. TMU continued to attack the paint midway through the half as Calvin Carter II scored on to put the Bears back in front, but a Bryan run created a nine-point deficit. The Bears responded as Kent buried a three while Yeh followed with another three-pointer off a Kent assist. TMU closed the half as Yeh knocked down a fast-break three-pointer, paired with two free throws by Kent, sending the teams into the locker room tied 29-29.
 
The Bears opened the second half with the first lead since early in the game as shots by Kent kept TMU within striking distance. After the Lions pushed the margin to double digits midway through the half, the Bears responded with a dunk by Preston Tuggle followed by shots from Yeh and Brito-Vasquez. TMU continued to battle as Omari Joseph finished through contact and Brito-Vasquez knocked down two more free throws before Walker scored on back-to-back layups, to pull the Bears within two. Moments later, Brito-Vasquez tied the game at 55-55 with a strong finish at the rim off a Joseph assist, capping a 10-2 TMU surge. Bryan answered in the final minute with free throws to regain control, but Kent calmly sank two at the line to keep the Bears within one possession. TMU had late opportunities, yet the Lions converted in transition in the closing seconds to take away the 62-57. 
 
LEADERS
Kent led the way for the Bears with 17 points, going 3-5 in three-point shots and 6-7 at the free throw line. Yeh followed with 13 points, while Walker and Brito-Vasquez tallied 10 points apiece. Joseph was featured recording eight rebounds.
 
Keep up with the Bears throughout the 2025-26 season here on tmbears.com and follow us on Facebook (@TMUBears), Instagram (@TMUBears) and X (@TMUBears).