CULLOWHEE, N.C. – The King University men's basketball team jumped out to an early lead Saturday in their exhibition at Western Carolina University, but a 19-0 run during the first half would be the difference as the Tornado fell, 90-62.
THE BASICS
FINAL: Western Carolina 90, King 62 (Exhibition)
LOCATION: Ramsey Center; Cullowhee, N.C.
RECORDS: King 2-8; Western Carolina 11-2
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
- After Western Carolina took a quick 4-0 lead, Mikhail Pocknett hit a three, then on the next trip down the floor grabbed an offensive rebound and put it back, handing King a 5-4 lead.
- That started what would turn out to be a 13-4 run for the Tornado, with Pocknett scoring nine points and Kenny Turner adding four as King took a 13-8 lead with 15:17 left.
- The Catamounts were able to tie the game at 14 before taking a 17-14 lead with 12:25 remaining.
- The Tornado fought back and tied the score at 21, but WCU scored the next 19 points, eventually taking a 43-31 lead into halftime.
Second Half
- The Catamounts scored the first eight points before Pocknett dunked, drawing a foul as well to finish the old-fashioned three-point play.
- Josh Jackson picked up some points, hitting a three at the 11:27 mark before hitting a layup one minute later to keep King within 69-48.
- Seth Cullen drained a three with 5:33 remaining, capping off a King possession where they grabbed three offensive rebounds, making the score 79-54.
- After Jordan Akal hit a layup with 2:55 left, Pocknett hit another three, bringing King to 84-61.
- The Catamounts would score six points in the final two minutes to win 90-62.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Pocknett finished just one rebound short of a double-double, finishing with 19 points and nine rebounds, along with three steals.
- Kenny Turner also just missed a double-double, scoring nine points and pulling 13 rebounds.
- Seth Cullen finished with 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field.
FOR THE FOES
- Vonterius Woolbright finished with a game-high 23 points, along with 10 rebounds and three assists.
- Tre Jackson scored 20 points, while DJ Campbell scored 16.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- The Tornado will host Belmont Abbey College Jan. 3 inside the Student Center.
- Western Carolina will play at The Citadel Jan. 3
