Johnson Basketball Teams Prepare for AAC Tournament

Johnson Basketball Teams Prepare for AAC Tournament
February 24, 2025

With the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament just around the corner, both the Johnson University men's and women's basketball teams are gearing up for an exciting postseason run. The Royals and Lady Royals have positioned themselves well in their respective brackets and are ready to compete for an AAC title.

Men's Tournament Preview

The Royals (18-9, 14-6 AAC) enter the AAC Tournament as the No. 4 seed after finishing in a three-way tie with Milligan and Columbia International. Due to tiebreaker rules, Johnson landed in the fourth spot and will take on No. 5 Bryan (15-10, 13-7 AAC) in the quarterfinal round on Thursday, February 27, at 1:45 p.m.

If the Royals advance, they will face the winner of No. 1 Pikeville vs. the opening-round winner between No. 8 Reinhardt and No. 9 Truett McConnell in the semifinals on Friday, February 28, at 6 p.m. The championship game is set for Saturday, March 1, at 3 p.m.

The Royals have had a strong season, with key performances from their core players. As they prepare to face Bryan, they will look to capitalize on their balanced offensive attack and tough defensive play.

Men's AAC Tournament Schedule

Wednesday, Feb. 26 (Opening Round)

  • Game 1: No. 8 Reinhardt vs. No. 9 Truett McConnell – 2:30 p.m.

  • Game 2: No. 7 Tennessee Wesleyan vs. No. 10 Union Commonwealth – 4:15 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 27 (Quarterfinals)

  • Game 3: No. 1 Pikeville vs. Game 1 Winner – 12 p.m.

  • Game 4: No. 4 Johnson vs. No. 5 Bryan – 1:45 p.m.

  • Game 5: No. 2 Milligan vs. Game 2 Winner – 7:30 p.m.

  • Game 6: No. 3 Columbia International vs. No. 6 Montreat – 9:15 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 28 (Semifinals)

  • Game 7: Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Winner – 6 p.m.

  • Game 8: Game 5 Winner vs. Game 6 Winner – 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 1 (Championship)

  • Game 9: Championship Game – 3 p.m.

Women's Tournament Preview

The Lady Royals (24-4, 19-3 AAC) have had a phenomenal regular season, earning the No. 2 seed in the AAC Tournament. They finished with the same conference record as Milligan but were placed as the No. 2 seed due to a head-to-head loss. Johnson will open tournament play on Thursday, February 27, at 3:30 p.m. against the winner of No. 7 Tennessee Wesleyan vs. No. 10 Union Commonwealth.

If the Lady Royals advance, they will compete in the semifinals on Friday, February 28, at 4 p.m. The championship game is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, at 1 p.m.

The Lady Royals have been dominant all season, showcasing a high-powered offense and tenacious defense. They will be looking to make a deep tournament run and compete for an AAC title.

Women's AAC Tournament Schedule

Wednesday, Feb. 26 (Opening Round)

  • Game 1: No. 8 Columbia vs. No. 9 Truett McConnell – 11 a.m.

  • Game 2: No. 7 Tennessee Wesleyan vs. No. 10 Union Commonwealth – 12:45 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 27 (Quarterfinals)

  • Game 3: No. 4 Pikeville vs. No. 5 Montreat – 8:30 a.m.

  • Game 4: No. 1 Milligan vs. Game 1 Winner – 10:15 a.m.

  • Game 5: No. 2 Johnson vs. Game 2 Winner – 3:30 p.m.

  • Game 6: No. 3 Reinhardt vs. No. 6 Bryan – 5:15 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 28 (Semifinals)

  • Game 7: Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Winner – 2 p.m.

  • Game 8: Game 5 Winner vs. Game 6 Winner – 4 p.m.

Saturday, March 1 (Championship)

  • Game 9: Championship Game – 1 p.m.

Looking Ahead

Both the Royals and Lady Royals are poised to make deep runs in the AAC Tournament. With strong regular-season performances and momentum on their side, Johnson University basketball is ready for the challenge. Fans can follow the action live and support the teams as they fight for an AAC championship. All games will be live-streamed on the AAC Digital Network for free. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students each day. To purchase tickets, click here.