Murfreesboro, N.C. – The King University men's basketball team delivered one of its strongest offensive first halves of the season on Monday evening, but a dominant second-half performance from Chowan flipped the script as the Tornado fell 100–91 inside the Hawks Athletic Center. King drops to 5–11 overall and 3–5 in Conference Carolinas play, while Chowan improves to 10–9 (8–3).
The matchup featured seven ties and eight lead changes, with King controlling the opening 20 minutes before Chowan's explosive shooting and interior presence in the second half proved decisive.
Game Flow
King came out firing, pushing the pace and shooting 47.4 percent in the first half while piling up 51 points.
Lenier Pocknett and
Jordan Akal set the tone early, combining for 27 first-half points as the Tornado built a 15-point advantage at the break.
The second half, however, belonged to the Hawks. Chowan erupted for 64 points after halftime, shooting a staggering 84 percent from the field in the final 20 minutes. King continued to attack in transition and reached 91 points overall, but the Hawks' efficiency and rebounding edge swung momentum firmly in their favor.
Despite the Tornado forcing 17 turnovers and scoring 28 fast-break points, Chowan's ability to convert at the rim and earn trips to the line (30-of-37 FT) ultimately carried them across the finish line.
King Highlights
• Lenier Pocknett led King with 23 points, adding five rebounds, three steals, and steady scoring throughout the night.
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Jordan Akal delivered 21 points and eight rebounds while knocking down two threes.
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Jeremias Berchal contributed 13 points and six boards, going 5-for-8 at the line.
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Eli Elston provided a spark off the bench with 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting.
• King forced 17 turnovers and turned them into 22 points, while also scoring 40 points in the paint and 28 on the break.
Key Stats
• Rebounds: Chowan 52, King 39
• Bench Points: Chowan 52, King 17
• Points in the Paint: Both teams 40
• Fast Break Points: King 28, Chowan 25
• Second Chance Points: King 12, Chowan 7
Conclusion
King showcased high-level offensive execution in the first half and received strong performances from its backcourt and bench. While Chowan's second-half surge shifted the outcome, the Tornado demonstrated stretches of dynamic, up-tempo basketball and will look to build on those positives as conference play continues.
Next Game
King returns to the floor
Wednesday, January 21, traveling to face
Young Harris at
7:30 p.m. ET.
