Truett McConnell Edges Past Golden Tigers 66-58

Gainesville, Georgia- Truett McConnell edged past the Brenau Golden Tigers 66-58 in an Appalachian Athletic Conference slugfest on Tuesday.

After an even first quarter, the visiting Bears took a 24-19 lead on a Sydney Rumble layup at the 5:44 mark. Brenau answered on the ensuing possession as freshman Jill Pittman nailed a three pointer from the corner to cut the deficit to 24-22. However, the Bears' Re'Tavia Floyd answered with a three pointer of her own to increase the lead back to 27-22. With 1:47 remaining in the half, Truett extended its lead to 32-22 on an Alysee Dobbs three pointer. Brenau rallied with a five point run over the final minute to cut the deficit to 34-27 at the break.

In the third quarter, the Golden Tigers cut the Bears' lead to only two as sophomore Nyla Moore scored on an old-fashioned three point play, however the Bears responded with a 6-0 run to extend the lead back to eight. Just before the end of the period, senior post Xian Lopez added a layup to make the score 43-37.

In the final stanza, Brenau made another push as Moore scored again on a three-point play to make the score 55-51 with 4:18 remaining. However, an offensive rebound and putback by Sydnie Smith extended the lead back to six points. In the final minute, Brenau again cut the lead to four, but the Bears made six free throws down the stretch to escape with the win.

Truett McConnell shot 44% for the game, while Brenau matched that mark with 43% from the floor. The Bears outshot the Golden Tigers from three point range by a 36% to 25% margin, which proved to be the difference in the game.

Moore led all scorers with 16 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore post Kait McCarter added seven points and three rebounds. Freshman Taylor Williams also added eight points and three rebounds and Lopez added eight points and nine rebounds.

Floyd led Truett McConnell with 15 points.

Brenau (5-14 overall, 4-13 AAC) next travels to Kentucky ChristianUniversity (14-9 overall, 10-7 AAC) in a conference matchup on Thursday at 5:30 pm.