Basketball wins AAC thriller against TMU

WEST POINT, Ga. (Feb. 10, 2022) – The Point University men's basketball team opened Thursday night's Appalachian Athletic Conference matchup with Truett McConnell, trailing 13-1, but a team effort by the Skyhawks brought within four to close the first half out, and on to victory in the second half as Point defeated the Bears 72-69.

With less than eight minutes remaining in the opening half, a jump shot from Lorenzo Freeman Jr. would put the Skyhawks down by one, and nearly three minutes later, two free throws from Ray Reeves would tie the score at 29, putting the Skyhawks back in the game, following the early deficit. A 3-pointer from Freeman would earn Point's first lead of the night with 4:41 left, but the Bears would close the half out on a 9-2 run to go ahead 38-34 at the break.

The Bears quickly extended their lead out to double figures to open the second half, but a 3-pointer followed by a jump shot from Reeves would spark a 10-1 run for Point to bring the score within one (57-56). Truett would work their lead back out to as many as four over the next four minutes of play, but with 2:30 remaining, a free throw from Reeves, followed by a jump shot from Tommy Carter, would put the Skyhawks ahead 68-67. Another layup from Carter with less than a minute left would help Point's lead extend out to three. Two free throws from TMU's Brent Kelly with 11 seconds left would bring the score back within one, but a trip to the free throw line for RJ Selman would help the Skyhawks retake their three-point lead and go on to victory.

Bowen led all-scorers with 24 points and posted 11 boards. Reeves and Freeman both followed with 17 points apiece.

Up next, the Skyhawks travel to Kentucky Christian University on Monday, Feb. 14, for its final AAC road game of the season. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.