Franklin Springs, Ga. — The King University men's basketball team battled through a high-tempo matchup on Monday night but couldn't slow down a red-hot Emmanuel offense, falling 91–75 inside the Shaw Athletic Center. The Tornado move to 11–14 overall and 9–8 in Conference Carolinas play, while the Lions improve to 13–12 (10–7 CC). A crowd of 298 watched Emmanuel use efficient shooting and strong interior play to secure the home win.
Game Flow
The opening half featured back-and-forth stretches, with the teams trading the lead seven times and tying the score on five occasions. King knocked down five threes in the first 20 minutes, but Emmanuel's late surge pushed the Lions ahead 40–31 at the break.
Emmanuel carried that momentum into the second half, shooting over 55 percent from the field and connecting on seven threes after halftime. King continued to attack, scoring 44 second-half points, but the Lions' balanced scoring and dominance on the glass created separation. Despite strong individual efforts and stretches of efficient offense, the Tornado couldn't overcome Emmanuel's sustained shooting rhythm.
King Highlights
- Jeremias Berchal led the Tornado with 15 points, adding 2 assists and going 7-for-8 at the free-throw line.
- Djae Eason Jr. delivered an efficient 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including two threes, while grabbing 4 rebounds.
- Lenier Pocknett contributed 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals, providing steady interior presence.
- Jalen Royster added 11 points, knocking down three triples.
- Jordan Akal supplied 11 points and 7 rebounds off the bench, giving King a spark in the second half.
King shot 38.1% from the field and 36.8% from three (7-of-19), while generating 20 points off turnovers and 10 fast-break points.
Emmanuel Effort
Emmanuel showcased a potent offensive attack with three players scoring 20 or more:
- Ezra McKee: 26 points, 12 rebounds, 10-of-14 shooting
- Devin Story: 22 points, 7 assists, 7-of-12 from the field
- Isaac Jones: 20 points, 6 threes, 5 rebounds
- Sam Thacker: 13 points, 6 assists
The Lions shot 50.8% from the field and 38.7% from three (12-of-31), while outrebounding King 38–29. Their efficiency in both halves — especially a 55 percent second-half performance — proved decisive.
Key Stats
| Category |
King |
Emmanuel |
| Field Goal % |
38.1% |
50.8% |
| Three-Point % |
36.8% |
38.7% |
| Rebounds |
29 |
38 |
| Bench Points |
15 |
8 |
| Fast-Break Points |
10 |
13 |
| Points off Turnovers |
20 |
18 |
| Points in the Paint |
28 |
38 |
Conclusion
King showed resilience and offensive balance, but Emmanuel's combination of hot shooting, rebounding strength, and three 20-point scorers ultimately created too steep a hill to climb. Berchal, Eason Jr., and Pocknett led the Tornado with strong efforts, yet the Lions' efficiency on their home floor carried them to the conference victory.
Next Game
King returns home on Wednesday, February 18, hosting Southern Wesleyan University at 7:30 p.m. ET.
