Bristol, Tenn.- The King University men's basketball team wrapped up 2025 with a competitive effort but came up short in a 75–66 loss to Mars Hill University on Wednesday afternoon at the Student Center Complex. The Tornado dropped to 2–9 overall and 0–3 in Conference Carolinas play, while the Lions improved to 8–4 (2–4 SAC).
Game Flow
The opening half featured back-and-forth stretches, with the teams trading the lead seven times. Mars Hill used an 8-0 run late in the period to take a 35–29 advantage into the break.
King continued to battle in the second half, pulling within one possession multiple times, but the Lions' balanced scoring and rebounding edge proved decisive. Mars Hill shot nearly 47 percent after halftime and held off the Tornado with timely perimeter shooting and second-chance opportunities. A late push by King narrowed the margin, but the Lions closed the game at the free-throw line to secure the nine-point win in front of 123 fans.
King Effort
- Lenier Pocknett delivered a strong performance, scoring a game-high 20 points on 9-of-14 shooting while pulling down eight rebounds.
- Jordan Akal added 17 points, including two threes, and went 5-for-6 at the line.
- Xavier Betancourt contributed nine points, three assists, and three steals.
- Jalen Royster scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds.
- Eli Elston provided a spark off the bench with nine points and a three-pointer.
King shot 35.4 percent from the field and 20.7 percent from beyond the arc. The Tornado generated
15 second-chance points and
16 fast-break points, staying within striking distance throughout.
Key Stats
| Category |
Mars Hill |
King |
| Field Goal % |
44.4% |
35.4% |
| Three-Point % |
37.0% |
20.7% |
| Free Throw % |
42.9% |
73.7% |
| Points in the Paint |
36 |
28 |
| Second-Chance Points |
11 |
15 |
| Fast-Break Points |
17 |
16 |
| Bench Points |
23 |
11 |
| Rebounds |
49 |
40 |
Conclusion
King showed resilience and energy throughout the contest, highlighted by Pocknett's efficient scoring and Akal's perimeter presence. Despite the loss, the Tornado demonstrated improved ball movement and defensive pressure, keeping the game competitive against a strong Mars Hill squad.
Next Game
King returns to action on
Friday, January 3, hosting
UNC Pembroke at 4:00 p.m. ET at the Student Center Complex.
