Central, S.C. – In a fast-paced, high-scoring matchup, King relied on efficient shooting, strong guard play, and a massive bench contribution to secure the nine-point victory. Behind standout performances from
Xavier Betancourt and
Jordan Akal, the Tornado controlled the offensive tempo and delivered one of their most balanced scoring efforts of the season.
Game Flow
The opening half featured a back-and-forth offensive rhythm, with both teams trading baskets and pushing the pace. King shot 50 percent from the field and knocked down six threes in the first 20 minutes, taking a narrow 44–41 lead into the break.
The Tornado found another gear in the second half. Timely three-pointers, improved ball movement, and a surge from the bench helped King maintain a steady advantage. Southern Wesleyan continued to attack the paint and get to the free-throw line, but King's depth and perimeter efficiency proved too much to overcome.
A late push from the Warriors cut the deficit to single digits, but King calmly closed the game with defensive stops and clutch free throws, sealing the 91–82 road win.
King Highlights
- Xavier Betancourt delivered a standout performance, scoring 22 points on 8-of-10 shooting, including a perfect 4-for-4 from three. He added five rebounds, five assists, and a steal in 31 impactful minutes.
- Jordan Akal continued his strong play with 17 points, eight rebounds, and two assists while knocking down three threes.
- Lenier Pocknett added 11 points and five rebounds, providing steady scoring from the wing.
- Jeremias Berchal was a major spark off the bench, finishing with 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists while shooting 5-of-6 from the line.
- Eli Elston added 13 points and three steals in another strong bench performance, helping King's reserves outscore SWU's bench 32–10.
- Petar Mijatovic and Jalen Royster combined for nine points and eight rebounds, contributing on the interior.
King shot 49.3 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from three, while outrebounding Southern Wesleyan 35–39 and committing just five turnovers. The Tornado also scored 44 points in the paint and added 13 fast-break points.
Southern Wesleyan Effort
Southern Wesleyan was led by
Yelnats Zephir, who scored 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds while going a perfect 6-for-6 at the line.
Jaquay Randolph posted a dominant double-double with 19 points and 19 rebounds, while
Will Little added 12 points.
The Warriors shot 92.3 percent from the free-throw line and stayed competitive throughout, but struggled from three (25.8 percent) and couldn't match King's depth or perimeter efficiency.
Key Stats
- Field Goal Percentage: King 49.3%, SWU 38.5%
- Three-Point Percentage: King 43.5%, SWU 25.8%
- Points in the Paint: King 44, SWU 30
- Bench Points: King 32, SWU 10
- Fast Break Points: King 13, SWU 3
- Second-Chance Points: SWU 19, King 15
Conclusion
King's offensive balance, efficient shooting, and strong bench production powered the Tornado to a valuable conference road victory. Betancourt's sharpshooting and Akal's all-around impact set the tone, while King's depth proved decisive in a fast-paced matchup.
With the win, the Tornado continue to build momentum as they move deeper into January play.
Next Game
King returns home on
Wednesday, January 14, hosting
Lees-McRae at
7:30 p.m. ET, following the women's game.
