BLUEFIELD, W.Va. --
Xavier Betancourt recorded a double-double, and
Mikhail Pocknett scored 29 points as the King University men's volleyball team fell to Bluefield State University Wednesday evening.
THE BASICS
FINAL: Bluefield State 104, King 95
LOCATION: Ned E. Schott Gymnasium; Bluefield, W.Va.
RECORDS: King 5-8; Bluefield State 8-5
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
- The Tornado scored the first seven points of the game, including consecutive layups by Seth Cullen, forcing a Bluefield State timeout just two minutes into the game.
- Bluefield State were able to tie the score at 13 with 13:27 left in the half.
- Jordan Akal hit a three with 9:01 left in the half, helping King extend their lead to 31-26 after Betancourt hit a triple as well.
- After Bluefield State tied the score at 39 with 1:41 left, the Big Blue outscored King 7-3, taking a 46-42 lead into the break.
Second Half
- Bluefield State scored the first four points before Jordan Akal hit a three, bringing King to within 50-45.
- Pocknett hit a layup with 14:16 left, giving King the lead, 58-57.
- The Big Blue took a 64-60 lead, after which King went on a 6-0 scoring run, taking a 66-64 lead with 11:07 left to play.
- The King lead reached 72-68 with 9:55 left, though the Big Blue rallied to take a 74-72 lead a minute later.
- The Tornado took their final lead of the game with 4:46 left, when Jaylen Roster hit a three, with Betancourt getting the assist.
- Bluefield State closed the game on an 18-7 scoring run to pick up the 104-95 win.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Pocknett led the Tornado with 29 points on 13-of-20 shooting.
- Betancourt finished with a double-double, with 23 points and 10 rebounds, along with a team-high four assists.
FOR THE FOES
- Jordan Hinds and Terrell Williams both scored 24 points for Bluefield.
- Hinds also had 12 rebounds, while Williams dished out nine assists.
UP NEXT
- King will return to Conference Carolinas play Saturday when they face UNC Pembroke at 4:00 p.m.
