SPARTANBURG, S.C. — King University men's basketball saw its postseason run come to a hard-fought end on Thursday morning, falling 79–76 in overtime to Chowan University in the Conference Carolinas Quarterfinals at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium. The Tornado conclude their season at 14–17 overall and 10–10 in league play, while the Hawks advance at 17–13 (13–7 CC).
In a game featuring eight ties and seven lead changes, King battled wire-to-wire, overcoming multiple deficits and forcing overtime before Chowan made key plays in the final minute to escape with the narrow victory.
First Half: Tight, Physical Start
Both teams opened with strong defensive intensity, and neither side led by more than two possessions throughout the first half. King shot 38.2 percent in the opening period, relying on balanced scoring from its starting lineup.
Jeremias Berchal and Lenier Pocknett controlled the interior early, combining for 16 first-half points and 12 rebounds. Xavier Betancourt added timely perimeter scoring, helping the Tornado take a 33–32 lead into halftime.
Chowan countered with steady production from Markell Hollis and Eric Gordon Jr., who combined for 20 first-half points while keeping the Hawks within striking distance.
Second Half: Back-and-Forth Battle
The second half mirrored the first—physical, competitive, and tightly contested. King improved its shooting to 43.2 percent after the break, with Jordan Akal heating up from the perimeter and Betancourt continuing to attack off the dribble.
Chowan responded with efficient three-point shooting, hitting 5-of-9 from deep in the second half. Damien Robinson's presence on the glass (13 rebounds) and Hollis' ability to get to the line helped the Hawks maintain momentum.
With the game tied in the final minute of regulation, both teams had chances to take the lead, but defensive stops on each end sent the contest into overtime at 69–69.
Overtime: Hawks Edge Ahead Late
King struck first in overtime, but Chowan's free-throw shooting proved decisive. The Hawks went 5-of-6 at the line in the extra period and received a crucial three from Joseph Lezeau II to take the lead for good.
The Tornado continued to battle, with Akal and Berchal each scoring in the final minutes, but a late Chowan stop sealed the 79–76 result.
King Standouts
King's starting five delivered a strong postseason performance, with four players scoring in double figures:
- Jordan Akal: 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
- Xavier Betancourt: 17 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
- Jeremias Berchal: 13 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 blocks
- Lenier Pocknett: 13 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
- Petar Mijatovic: 4 points, 13 rebounds, 2 blocks
- Eli Elston: 9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals off the bench
- Jalen Royster: 2 points, 3 assists, 1 steal
King finished with 48 points in the paint, 18 points off turnovers, and 16 second-chance points while outrebounding Chowan 49–51 in a tightly contested battle on the glass.
Chowan Effort
Chowan advanced behind a balanced offensive attack:
- Markell Hollis: 20 points, 7 rebounds
- Eric Gordon Jr.: 18 points, 4 threes, 2 assists
- Damerius Summers: 12 points, 7 rebounds
- Damien Robinson: 8 points, 13 rebounds
- Joseph Lezeau II: 10 points, 2 threes off the bench
The Hawks shot 84.6 percent from the free-throw line and hit nine three-pointers, key factors in the narrow win.
Key Team Statistics
- Field Goal Percentage: King 40.0% | Chowan 36.4%
- Three-Point Percentage: King 26.3% | Chowan 37.5%
- Free-Throw Percentage: King 36.8% | Chowan 84.6%
- Points in the Paint: King 48 | Chowan 24
- Points Off Turnovers: King 18 | Chowan 7
- Second-Chance Points: King 16 | Chowan 6
- Lead Changes: 7
- Ties: 8
Season Conclusion
King closes the 2025–26 season with a pair of postseason victories and a quarterfinal appearance,
