Bristol, Tenn. – King University men's basketball delivered a thrilling comeback victory on Saturday afternoon, storming back from a 15-point halftime deficit to defeat UNC Pembroke 74–69 at the Student Center Complex. The Tornado improved to 3–9 overall and 1–3 in Conference Carolinas play, while the Braves dropped to 6–6 (3–1 Conference Carolinas).
Game Flow
UNC Pembroke controlled the opening 20 minutes, shooting efficiently from the perimeter and taking a 42–27 lead into halftime. King struggled to find rhythm early, but the momentum shifted dramatically after the break.
The Tornado erupted for 47 second-half points, shooting over 70 percent from the field in the final period. A 19–27 shooting performance after halftime fueled the comeback, with King steadily chipping away before taking the lead in the closing minutes. The game featured one tie and one lead change, but King's late surge proved decisive as the Tornado closed out the five-point win with strong defense and timely scoring.
King Highlights
- Jordan Akal powered the Tornado with a game-high 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including three three-pointers and a perfect 3-for-3 at the line.
- Lenier Pocknett delivered a dominant all-around performance, scoring 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting while grabbing eight rebounds and adding four steals.
- Xavier Betancourt added 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists, providing steady guard play throughout the second-half surge.
- Jalen Royster contributed five points, three assists, and two rebounds while knocking down a key three.
- Luis Acevedo and Mica Merriman combined for 11 points off the bench, each shooting a perfect 2-for-2 from the field.
- King shot an impressive 53.8 percent from the floor (28-of-52), 35.3 percent from three (6-of-17), and overcame a tough night at the free-throw line (12-of-29).
- The Tornado bench added 15 points, helping fuel the comeback effort.
Key Stats
- Rebounds: UNC Pembroke 41, King 36
- Second-Chance Points: King 10, UNC Pembroke 9
- Points in the Paint: King 36, UNC Pembroke 22
- Points off Turnovers: King 13, UNC Pembroke 20
- Bench Points: King 15, UNC Pembroke 10
Conclusion
King's second-half explosion flipped the script on a game that appeared to be slipping away early. Akal and Pocknett led the charge, while Betancourt and the Tornado bench provided crucial support. The comeback showcased King's resilience and marked their first conference win of the season.
Next Game
The Tornado will return to action on
Wednesday, January 7, hosting
North Greenville at the Student Center Complex. Tip-off is scheduled for
12:00 p.m. ET.
