Raleigh, N.C. – The Southern Virginia University men's basketball team wrapped up the regular season with a hard-fought 94-92 overtime loss to William Peace University, despite a strong offensive effort and key performances down the stretch.
The Knights found themselves trailing early as the Pacers opened with seven straight points, but Tillman Johnson quickly got Southern Virginia on the board with a three-pointer. The offense then came alive, rattling off ten unanswered points, with Hyrum McConkie, Jude Ballstaedt, and DJ Green all knocking down threes to take control.
Midway through the first half, William Peace briefly reclaimed the lead before another 10-0 Southern Virginia run, led by Green, McConkie, and Collin Griffith, put the Knights back in front. Southern Virginia entered halftime leading 44-36, with Johnson and McConkie each scoring nine points, Griffith adding eight, and Green contributing seven.
The second half saw the Pacers erase the Knights' lead in just four minutes, setting up a back-and-forth battle the rest of the way. Christian Goode and Tyler Kartchner provided key baskets to keep Southern Virginia in the fight, and Kartchner's layup with four minutes remaining gave the Knights a 71-70 lead. Johnson and Goode knocked down clutch free throws to maintain the advantage, but William Peace stayed within striking distance. With nine seconds left, the Knights held a three-point lead, but the Pacers drained a deep three to force overtime.
In the extra period, William Peace surged ahead with seven unanswered points before Green nearly led a comeback, scoring eight points in just one minute, including two three-pointers. The Knights shot 47.7% from the field (31-65) and an efficient 47.6% from beyond the arc (10-21), while William Peace shot 50% from the field (34-68) and 35.7% from three (10-28). Despite the late rally, the Pacers capitalized at the free-throw line, making just enough to hold off the Knights. Southern Virginia finished 20-30 from the line (66.7%), while William Peace went 16-23 (69.6%). The Pacers also edged out the Knights in rebounding, 42-38, securing crucial second-chance opportunities.
Johnson led the way for Southern Virginia with 21 points, while Green, who played all 45 minutes, recorded 19 points, shooting 4-9 from deep and 7-8 from the free-throw line. Goode showcased his defensive skills with three steals, a block, and seven rebounds.
Despite the loss, Southern Virginia now turns its focus to the USA South Conference Tournament, where they will face Greensboro College in the first round on Tuesday, February 25th.
For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_hoops on Instagram.
