May 5, 2024
ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. – On Wednesday, the Truett McConnell University men's basketball team traveled to compete in an Appalachian Athletic Conference match-up against Milligan University, where the Bears fell to the Buffaloes, 96-71. TMU falls to an overall record of 9-12, 7-10 AAC, while Milligan rises to a record of 9-10, 9-8 AAC.
In the first half, Milligan was first to score with Cory Seitz responding with a good layup in the paint. The game remained evenly matched, when a quick nine-point run by the opposing team created a marginal deficit. TMU continued to work offensively, with a layup by EJ Smith followed by a layup by Jadon Yeh, working to give the Bears a fighting chance. A late burst of energy from the Buffaloes in the first half, ultimately proved Milligan to be a tough competitor, forcing a 20-point gap between the two teams as they entered the half with a score of, 32-52.
The second half saw Akil Covington first to score, with a good three-pointer assisted by Smith. Good offense by the Buffaloes proved to be a threat to the Bears as the opposing team continued to increase the score. TMU did not lose heart as a three-pointer by KJ Riley gave TMU hope at forcing a change. Final free throws by Raul Arias-Ortega and Smith ultimately proved to be a valiant effort, but was ultimately not enough to secure a win, falling to the Buffaloes 96-71.
Smith led the way for the Bears with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists, while going 8-8 at the free throw line. Riley followed with 17 points and six rebounds, while Covington, Seitz and CJ Brown all recorded six points apiece. Arias-Ortega contributed five points, while Yeh had four points and seven rebounds.
