TIGERVILLE, S.C. — King University men's basketball opened the Conference Carolinas postseason in unforgettable fashion Friday evening, defeating Mount Olive 95–94 on a last-second shot by Jalen Royster inside Hayes Gymnasium. The Tornado improve to 13–16 overall and 10–10 in league play, advancing to the second round of the Conference Carolinas Men's Basketball Championship. Mount Olive ends its season at 10–19 (7–13 CC).
The matchup featured ten lead changes, seven ties, and a dramatic finish that will stand as one of the defining moments of King's season. With the game tied in the closing seconds, Royster rose up from the wing and buried the game-winning shot as time expired, sending the Tornado bench into celebration and punching their ticket to the next round.
Game Flow
The opening half set the tone for a high-scoring, fast-paced contest. King shot nearly 60 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes, using efficient interior scoring and strong ball movement to take a 49–46 lead into halftime.
Mount Olive continued to apply pressure in the second half, attacking the paint and converting in transition. King countered with timely perimeter shooting and steady execution, but neither team could create separation. The lead changed hands repeatedly as both offenses stayed hot.
In the final minute, Mount Olive tied the game and forced King into a late possession with the clock winding down. The Tornado put the ball in the hands of Royster, who delivered the decisive moment—drilling the buzzer-beating shot to secure the 95–94 victory and extend King's postseason run.
King Highlights
King's offense was outstanding throughout the night, shooting 58.2 percent from the field and placing five players in double figures.
- Jalen Royster delivered 22 points off the bench on 9-of-12 shooting, including the game-winning buzzer beater and three made threes.
- Lenier Pocknett led King with 23 points on 11-of-13 shooting, adding 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals in a dominant all-around performance.
- Jordan Akal added 16 points, hitting three threes and contributing 2 assists and 2 steals.
- Xavier Betancourt posted 15 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds while playing 35 minutes.
- Eli Elston added 10 points and 3 steals in 15 minutes off the bench.
- Jeremias Berchal and Petar Mijatovic combined for 6 points and steady guard play.
King scored 52 points in the paint, added 19 points off turnovers, and received 35 points from its bench.
Mount Olive Effort
Mount Olive countered with a balanced scoring attack and strong shooting performance.
- Raul Perez led the Trojans with 17 points and 7 made free throws.
- Matt Kirby added 16 points and 6 assists.
- Jaevian Alston posted 13 points and 7 rebounds.
- Jefferson McLamb scored 13 points with two threes.
- Shane Peterson added 12 points and 5 assists.
- Christian Ananaba contributed 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.
The Trojans shot 54.1 percent from the field and scored 42 points in the paint while adding 40 points from their bench.
Key Stats
- Field Goal %: King 58.2% | Mount Olive 54.1%
- Three-Point %: King 38.9% | Mount Olive 37.5%
- Free Throws: King 10–16 | Mount Olive 19–27
- Rebounds: King 20 | Mount Olive 32
- Points in the Paint: King 52 | Mount Olive 42
- Points off Turnovers: King 19 | Mount Olive 18
- Bench Points: King 35 | Mount Olive 40
- Lead Changes: 10
Next Up
With the dramatic first-round victory, King advances to face North Greenville in the Second Round of the Conference Carolinas Men's Basketball Championship tomorrow at 7 p.m. in Tigerville, S.C
