TIGERVILLE, S.C. — King University men's basketball extended its postseason run on Monday, March 3, defeating North Greenville 96–93 inside Hayes Gymnasium to advance to the Conference Carolinas Men's Basketball Championship Quarterfinals. The Tornado improve to 14–16 overall and 10–10 in league play, while the Crusaders close their season at 18–12 (12–8 CC).
The victory gives King back-to-back postseason wins, following Friday's dramatic buzzer-beating triumph over Mount Olive. Against North Greenville, the Tornado delivered another high-level offensive performance, combining efficient shooting with balanced scoring to outlast one of the league's top teams in a game that featured six ties and four lead changes.
Strong First Half Sets the Pace
King opened the night with rhythm and confidence, shooting 54.5 percent from the field in the first half and knocking down six threes to take a 47–44 lead into the break. Jordan Akal and Jeremias Berchal fueled the early scoring, combining for 25 points as the Tornado repeatedly found success in transition and in the half court.
North Greenville countered with steady production from Carter Bobbitt and Savion Brown, who kept the Crusaders within striking distance by attacking the paint and converting at the free-throw line.
Second Half: Tornado Hold Off Late Push
The second half mirrored the first—fast, physical, and filled with momentum swings. King shot 50.7 percent for the game and an impressive 52.4 percent from three, while North Greenville matched nearly every run with its own efficient offense.
King's pace and defensive pressure proved decisive, generating 21 points off turnovers and 28 fast-break points. North Greenville stayed close behind the interior presence of Jacob Brown, who finished with 16 rebounds, and the scoring spark of Zayden Edwards off the bench.
With the game tightening in the final minute, King forced a key defensive stop and converted on the ensuing possession. The Tornado held strong in the closing seconds to secure the 96–93 victory and move on in the bracket.
King Standouts
Five Tornado players reached double figures in a balanced and efficient offensive performance:
- Jordan Akal led King with 25 points on 7-of-9 shooting, including four threes and seven made free throws.
- Jeremias Berchal added 17 points and three steals while shooting 50 percent.
- Xavier Betancourt delivered 15 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals in 38 minutes.
- Lenier Pocknett contributed 12 points and 4 rebounds while shooting 60 percent.
- Petar Mijatovic anchored the paint with 8 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
- Jalen Royster, Friday's buzzer-beater hero, added 12 points on a perfect 4-for-4 from three.
- Eli Elston provided 7 points, 5 rebounds, and strong defensive minutes off the bench.
King finished with 40 points in the paint, 15 second-chance points, and 19 points off turnovers.
North Greenville Effort
The Crusaders delivered a strong offensive showing of their own:
- Carter Bobbitt scored 26 points with four threes.
- Savion Brown added 22 points and 4 assists while playing all 40 minutes.
- Zayden Edwards provided 18 points off the bench on 7-of-8 shooting.
- Jacob Brown recorded 8 points and a game-high 16 rebounds.
- Josh Linder added 9 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds.
North Greenville scored 44 points in the paint and 25 second-chance points to stay within one possession until the final seconds.
Key Stats
- Field Goal %: King 50.7% | NGU 50.0%
- Three-Point %: King 52.4% | NGU 40.0%
- Fast-Break Points: King 28 | NGU 12
- Points Off Turnovers: King 21 | NGU 16
- Points in the Paint: King 40 | NGU 44
- Bench Points: King 19 | NGU 22
- Lead Changes: 4
- Ties: 6
Next Up: Conference Carolinas Quarterfinals
With two postseason wins in three days, King advances to the Conference Carolinas Quarterfinals on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. The game will be played at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., as the Tornado continue their pursuit of a conference championship.
