TIGERVILLE, S.C. — King University men's basketball closed out its regular-season slate with a strong offensive showing and several standout individual performances in an 84–74 battle at North Greenville. The Tornado traded runs with the Crusaders throughout the night, showcasing resilience, depth, and late-season momentum heading into postseason play.
Game Flow
The opening half featured fast-paced action and multiple lead changes. King generated quality looks early, with Jeremias Berchal and Jalen Royster sparking the offense. Despite the Crusaders taking a 35–28 lead into halftime, the Tornado remained within striking distance thanks to active rebounding and aggressive drives to the rim.
King's offense ignited in the second half, pouring in 46 points behind improved shooting and strong free-throw efficiency. The Tornado pushed the tempo, scoring 15 fast-break points and attacking the paint for 38 interior points. Several late scoring bursts kept the game tight deep into the final minutes before North Greenville held on down the stretch.
King Highlights
The Tornado delivered a balanced offensive effort, with five players scoring eight or more points and several stepping up in key moments.
- Jeremias Berchal led King with 17 points, adding 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals while going a perfect 5-for-5 at the line.
- Jalen Royster continued his efficient scoring with 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including two threes.
- Jordan Akal provided a major spark off the bench, scoring 14 points and grabbing a team-high 9 rebounds while shooting 10-of-12 from the free-throw line.
- Lenier Pocknett contributed 10 points and a team-best 7 rebounds, adding defensive activity with 3 steals.
- Eli Elston added 9 points in just 16 minutes, knocking down a three and finishing strong around the rim.
King shot 81.8% from the free-throw line, pushed the pace effectively, and forced 15 North Greenville turnovers.
North Greenville Effort
The Crusaders were led by:
- Savion Brown: 26 points, 4 threes, 6 rebounds
- Prince Jones-Bynum: 15 points, 6 rebounds
- Carter Bobbitt: 11 points, 12 rebounds
- Kaleb Thurman: 11 points, 6 rebounds
North Greenville shot efficiently from the field and from three, helping them maintain their narrow edge in the closing minutes.
Key Stats
| Category |
King |
North Greenville |
| Field Goal % |
35.1% |
51.8% |
| Three-Point % |
22.2% |
40.9% |
| Free Throws |
18–22 |
17–27 |
| Rebounds |
30 |
42 |
| Fast-Break Points |
15 |
11 |
| Points off Turnovers |
12 |
7 |
| Points in the Paint |
38 |
34 |
Conclusion
King wrapped up the regular season with a determined road performance, highlighted by strong guard play, aggressive attacking in transition, and key contributions from both starters and reserves. With multiple players hitting double figures and the offense clicking for 46 second-half points, the Tornado head into postseason play with confidence and momentum.
Up Next
King now turns its attention to the Conference Carolinas postseason, awaiting official seeding and its opening-round matchup.
