Bristol, Tenn. – In a game that featured 17 lead changes and nine ties, both teams traded momentum swings throughout regulation before Lees-McRae's bench depth and late-game execution proved decisive in the extra period. Despite a 30-point performance from
Xavier Betancourt and a strong showing at the free-throw line, King couldn't slow down the Bobcats' second-half surge or their 57-point bench explosion.
Game Flow
King opened the night with sharp offensive execution, shooting 37 percent in the first half and taking a 34–32 lead into the locker room. Betancourt and
Jordan Akal combined for 22 first-half points, while the Tornado defense held Lees-McRae to 36.7 percent shooting.
The second half turned into a track meet. Lees-McRae caught fire from the field, shooting 56 percent and hitting six threes to outscore King 45–43. The Tornado stayed within striking distance thanks to Akal's relentless attacking and Betancourt's efficiency, but the Bobcats' transition scoring and second-chance opportunities kept the game tight.
Regulation ended deadlocked at 77–77 after both teams traded late buckets and defensive stops.
In overtime, Lees-McRae took control. The Bobcats shot 57 percent in the extra period and went 9-for-12 at the free-throw line, while King struggled to find rhythm, shooting just 3-for-9. A pair of threes from Dwight Canady Jr. and steady free-throw shooting from Cedric Patterson helped the Bobcats pull away for the nine-point win.
King Highlights
Xavier Betancourt delivered a dominant offensive performance, scoring 30 points on 12-of-19 shooting while adding eight rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 41 minutes.
Jordan Akal powered the Tornado attack, scoring 22 points and going 15-of-18 from the free-throw line. He added seven rebounds and two steals.
Jeremias Berchal provided a major spark, finishing with 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting and grabbing six rebounds.
Eli Elston was highly efficient off the bench, scoring 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting and adding two rebounds and a block.
Lenier Pocknett added nine points and three rebounds, while the Tornado collected 41 total boards and forced 17 Lees-McRae turnovers.
King shot 39.7 percent from the field and 75 percent from the free-throw line but struggled from deep, finishing 4-of-17 from three.
Lees-McRae Effort
Lees-McRae showcased exceptional depth, with
57 bench points and five players scoring in double figures.
Dwight Canady Jr. led the Bobcats with 25 points, hitting three threes and going 6-of-7 at the line.
Cedric Patterson added 20 points, including a perfect 6-for-6 mark at the free-throw line and four made threes.
Yerald Mieses posted a double-double, scoring 15 points and grabbing 13 rebounds while dishing out six assists.
Isajah Deburgo scored 11, while
Justin Bramao added six points and five rebounds off the bench.
Lees-McRae shot 46.8 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from three, using their balanced scoring and late-game composure to secure the road win.
Key Stats
- Rebounds: Lees-McRae 44, King 41
- Points in the Paint: King 46, Lees-McRae 34
- Points off Turnovers: King 22, Lees-McRae 17
- Second-Chance Points: Lees-McRae 12, King 10
- Bench Points: Lees-McRae 57, King 25
- Fast Break Points: Lees-McRae 23, King 26
- Three-Pointers: Lees-McRae 11, King 4
Conclusion
King showed grit and offensive firepower in a tightly contested matchup, but Lees-McRae's depth and overtime execution proved to be the difference. Betancourt's 30-point outing and Akal's aggressive scoring kept the Tornado in the fight, yet the Bobcats' bench production and late free-throw shooting sealed the outcome.
With the loss, King looks to regroup as they continue their January homestand.
Next Game
King returns to the Student Center Complex on
Saturday, January 17, hosting
Young Harris at
4:00 p.m. ET.
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