Royals Prevail in Overtime Thriller Against Tennessee Wesleyan

Knoxville, TN- The Johnson Royals showcased their grit and determination Wednesday night, rallying from a halftime deficit to defeat Tennessee Wesleyan 91-87 in an overtime classic. With the win, the Royals improved to 5-1 on the season and remained perfect in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play at 2-0.

The game was a battle from start to finish. Johnson found themselves trailing 38-33 at the break, struggling to find rhythm offensively against a tough Bulldogs defense. However, the Royals responded with a dominant second-half performance, pouring in 47 points to force overtime.

In overtime, the Royals' defense stepped up, holding Tennessee Wesleyan to just seven points while capitalizing on key opportunities at the free-throw line. Despite shooting just 57.4% from the charity stripe on the night, Johnson made their shots when it mattered most.

Several players shined for the Royals in the victory. Tyler Moore led all scorers with 21 points, showing poise under pressure with a near-perfect 9-of-10 performance from the free-throw line. Mason Lockhart was an unstoppable force on the glass, recording a monstrous double-double with 15 points and 18 rebounds, including 16 on the defensive end. Isaiah Poore added 19 points on an efficient 7-of-12 shooting, while Toris Woods chipped in 18 points and six rebounds. The team's effort on the boards was especially impressive, as they outrebounded the Bulldogs 56-41, including 21 offensive rebounds that led to critical second-chance points.

With this victory, the Royals continue to build momentum in conference play and demonstrate their resilience in tight games. They'll look to extend their winning streak in their next AAC matchup.