Bristol, Tenn. – In a game that featured three ties and one lead change, Young Harris controlled the tempo from the opening tip, riding a pair of dominant scoring performances and a 70.8 percent first-half shooting effort to build a lead King couldn't overcome. Despite a 26-point outing from
Lenier Pocknett and a strong second-half push, the Tornado were unable to match the Mountain Lions' 58.6 percent shooting and 36 made free throws.
Game Flow
Young Harris opened the night on fire, shooting 71 percent from the field and 86 percent from three in the first half to take a commanding 53–34 lead into the break. Carl Cleveland and Justin Payne combined for 40 first-half points, while the Mountain Lions went 13-for-14 at the free-throw line.
King struggled to find rhythm early, shooting 31.6 percent in the opening half and just 1-for-16 from three. Pocknett kept the Tornado within reach with 13 first-half points, while
Jordan Akal added timely drives to the rim.
The second half turned into a scoring showcase. King erupted for 60 points after halftime, shooting 56 percent and knocking down seven threes. Akal and Royster fueled the surge, while Acevedo provided a spark off the bench with three made threes.
But Young Harris continued its blistering pace, scoring 62 second-half points behind Cleveland's relentless interior scoring and Payne's perimeter efficiency. The Mountain Lions went 23-for-32 at the line in the second half alone, preventing any sustained King comeback.
Young Harris maintained control down the stretch, using second-chance points, transition baskets, and steady free-throw shooting to secure the 21-point road win.
King Highlights
- Lenier Pocknett delivered a strong offensive performance, scoring 26 points on 11-of-16 shooting while adding 5 rebounds and a steal.
- Jordan Akal added 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, knocking down three threes.
- Jalen Royster finished with 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, going a perfect 7-for-7 at the free-throw line.
- Eli Elston provided 9 points and 3 rebounds, shooting 3-of-5 from the field.
- Luis Acevedo added 12 points off the bench, hitting three threes.
- King shot 42.9 percent from the field and 68.4 percent at the line while scoring 40 points in the paint and 27 fast-break points.
Key Stats
Rebounds: Young Harris 47, King 30
Points in the Paint: King 40, Young Harris 38
Points off Turnovers: Young Harris 22, King 17
Second-Chance Points: Young Harris 24, King 11
Bench Points: Young Harris 18, King 21
Fast Break Points: King 27, Young Harris 21
Three-Pointers: Young Harris 11, King 8
Conclusion
King showed offensive firepower in the second half, but Young Harris' elite shooting and relentless scoring pace proved too much to overcome. Pocknett's efficiency, Akal's scoring, and Acevedo's spark kept the Tornado competitive, yet the Mountain Lions' 78 percent free-throw shooting and dominant first half set the tone for the night.
With the loss, King looks to regroup as they continue their January homestand.
Next Game
King returns to the Student Center Complex on
Tuesday, January 27, hosting
Belmont Abbey at
7:30 p.m. ET.
