Knoxville, TN- In a commanding performance at Douglas E. Karnes Arena, Johnson University Tennessee triumphed over St. Andrews with a final score of 96-77. Despite a competitive first half, Johnson pulled away decisively in the second half, showcasing their offensive prowess.
The game began with both teams battling neck-and-neck, with Johnson narrowly leading at halftime 42-39. However, the second half saw Johnson outscoring St. Andrews 54-38, sealing their victory.
Mason Lockhart was the standout star for Johnson, delivering a dominant performance with a double-double, scoring 26 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Lockhart was highly efficient, shooting 9 of 11 from the field and 8 of 9 from the free-throw line. Tyler Moore also contributed significantly, scoring 20 points and dishing out 6 assists, while Toris Woods added 19 points to the tally.
Johnson demonstrated remarkable shooting efficiency, hitting 60.0% from the field and 42.1% from beyond the arc. Their teamwork was evident in the 23 assists they managed throughout the game, creating numerous scoring opportunities.
St. Andrews, on the other hand, struggled to keep up with Johnson's high-paced offense. Mateu Escamilla led the team with 20 points, but it wasn't enough to close the gap. Kwashek Breeden added 13 points, and Tristian Pretlow also contributed 11 points off the bench.
The rebounding battle was decisively won by Johnson, who pulled down 41 rebounds compared to St. Andrews' 17. This dominance on the boards provided Johnson with multiple second-chance opportunities, further extending their lead.
Despite their efforts, St. Andrews could not overcome the relentless attack from Johnson, who maintained control throughout the second half to secure their victory. The Royals will look to stay in the win column and finish the season strong moving forward.
