Mars Hill, NC — King University's men's basketball team showed grit and determination at Stanford Arena on Sunday afternoon, but despite a spirited effort, the Tornado fell 88–78 to undefeated Mars Hill. The contest was tight throughout, featuring 10 ties and 9 lead changes, but King couldn't quite close the gap in the final minutes.
A Back-and-Forth First Half
The opening period set the tone for a competitive afternoon. King shot an efficient 41% from the field in the first half, highlighted by
Jordan Akal's hot hand from deep (4-of-7 from three). Akal poured in 22 points overall, keeping the Tornado within striking distance. At halftime, Mars Hill held a slim 46–43 advantage.
Second-Half Surge by Mars Hill
Mars Hill's depth proved decisive after the break. Guard Jaheim Taylor led the Lions with 21 points, attacking the rim and knocking down clutch free throws (7-of-8). Keenan Wilkins added 16 points, including three triples, while forward Ashton Troutman controlled the paint with 12 points and 9 rebounds. Mars Hill's bench contributed 37 points, giving them the cushion they needed to withstand King's push.
King's Effort Falls Short
King battled until the final buzzer. Alongside Akal's scoring,
Lenier Pocknett and
Jeremias Berchal chipped in 10 points apiece, while freshman guard
Keyton Keene added 9 off the bench. The Tornado dominated the glass with 43 rebounds, including 12 offensive boards, but struggled from long range in the second half (4-of-20 from three). That cold shooting stretch ultimately stalled their comeback hopes.
Final Numbers
- King (0–6, 0–1 Conference Carolinas): 78 points, 37.9% FG, 29% 3PT, 73.1% FT
- Mars Hill (5–0, 0–0 SAC): 88 points, 42.6% FG, 26.7% 3PT, 73.3% FT
