Royals Upset Top-Seeded Pikeville to Advance to AAC Championship

KINGSPORT, TN– The Royals delivered a stunning 78-73 victory over top-seeded Pikeville in the AAC Tournament semi-finals on Friday night, securing a spot in the conference championship game for the first time in program history. After falling short in the semi-finals last year, the Royals broke through with a resilient performance to reach the title game.

Head coach Logan Sharp was thrilled with his team's performance. "Super proud of the guys and their will to win. It was a total team effort, and our big-time players made big-time plays in big moments. I believe that win put us comfortably in the national tournament. We look forward to going out tomorrow and competing for a conference championship."

Game Recap

The Royals set the tone early, jumping out to a 35-26 halftime lead thanks to a strong defensive effort and efficient offense. While Pikeville fought back in the second half, Johnson made the necessary plays to close out the game and secure the upset.

• Isaiah Poore was dominant, leading all scorers with 29 points on 12-of-14 shooting.

• Mason Lockhart added 19 points and 5 rebounds, making crucial baskets throughout the game.

• Toris Woods contributed 13 points, hitting two key three-pointers.

• The Royals capitalized on turnovers, scoring 16 points off Pikeville's miscues.

Despite Pikeville's strong second-half push, Johnson's ability to execute in critical moments and control the tempo proved to be the difference.

Looking Ahead

With the victory, Johnson advances to the AAC Championship game, where they will compete for the conference title and further solidify their place in the national tournament. The Royals are now one win away from making history.

For more updates and championship coverage, visit JohnsonRoyals.com.