Jackson, Tenn. – The King University men's basketball team went on the road Saturday afternoon and battled hard before falling 89–73 inside Fred DeLay Gymnasium. The Tornado showed fight throughout, cutting into deficits and trading momentum swings, but ultimately came up short in their fourth contest of the season.
How It Happened
- King trailed 40–33 at halftime after a competitive opening period that featured three ties and four lead changes.
- Jordan Akal kept the Tornado within striking distance, scoring 13 points in the first half and knocking down three triples.
- The Tornado shot 41.8 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range, but free throw struggles (8-of-36, 22.2 percent) limited their ability to close the gap.
- In the second half, King's offense found rhythm, shooting 62.5 percent from the floor, but Union's rebounding edge and second-chance points kept the Tornado from completing the comeback.
- King battled until the final horn, showing resilience with balanced scoring and defensive effort across the lineup.
Final Score
Union (TN) 89, King (TN) 73
Key Performances
- Jordan Akal (14) – Led King with 23 points, including five three-pointers, while adding five rebounds.
- Lenier Pocknett (05) – Scored 14 points and grabbed four rebounds in 36 minutes of action.
- Jeremias Berchal (10) – Posted 13 points, six rebounds, and a team-high seven assists.
- Djae Eason Jr. (13) – Added nine points and two rebounds in 24 minutes.
- Petar Mijatovic (21) – Contributed six points and seven rebounds, providing strength in the paint.
Looking Ahead
The Tornado showed toughness in a challenging road environment, battling through momentum swings and staying competitive until the end. With contributions across the roster and flashes of offensive efficiency, King continues to build toward its first win of the season as Conference Carolinas play approaches.
