Buffs fall in AAC road opener at Tennessee Wesleyan

ATHENS, Tenn. (Nov. 14, 2020) – The Milligan University men's basketball team held the lead early against Tennessee Wesleyan, but a strong rebounding game from the Bulldogs in the second half would hand the Buffs their second loss of the season on the road and first AAC loss, 85-68, Saturday evening.

David Tripp scored 27 total points in the game, just shy of half of the Buffs total points. Josh Thomas led the team with nine rebounds and was the second high scorer with 14 points.

Milligan led the Bulldogs early on, extending their lead up to 11 points with a 10-0 run with only four minutes left in the first half. They would stay ahead by eight going into the half.

However, Tennessee Wesleyan slowly fought their way back, led by a strong presence under both rims where they secured seven offensive rebounds and 19 defensive rebounds. An 18-0 run with just under seven minutes to play decisively gave the Bulldogs the lead.

Bryant Bernard and Billy Balogun would score 16 of the 18 points on the run, and they ended the night as the top two scorers for the Bulldogs, with 26 and 18 points respectively. Balogun would also lead the team with 14 rebounds on the evening, securing a double-double for the forward.

Up next, Milligan plays at home next Saturday against Bryan. Opening tip is set for 4 p.m. in Steve Lacy Fieldhouse. The game can be followed online at milliganbuffs.com.