Buena Vista, Va. – The Southern Virginia University men's basketball team secured a dramatic 80-77 victory over #6-seeded Greensboro College in the USA South Conference Tournament opener, marking the program's first-ever home postseason game in the conference.

The Knights came out firing, with DJ Green and Tillman Johnson knocking down early three-pointers to establish a 10-5 lead. Southern Virginia extended the advantage to nine points, their largest of the night, following a Christian Goode three-pointer. However, Greensboro battled back, responding with back-to-back threes to take a 28-27 lead. A layup by Tyler Kartchner and a Collin Griffith three-pointer gave the Knights momentum heading into halftime with a 36-33 lead.

The second half saw 12 lead changes and five ties, with both offenses battling for control. Greensboro took the lead in the opening minute off an Isaiah Pruett three-pointer, but Kartchner quickly responded with a steal, leading to a Green three-pointer in transition to reclaim the advantage.

The Pride surged ahead by six points with 10 minutes remaining, but Southern Virginia responded in transition. Goode and Green made key plays, and Johnson electrified the crowd with a powerful dunk to tie the game with seven minutes left. The back-and-forth continued, but clutch baskets from Green and Kade Harrick kept the Knights ahead. A layup by Johnson extended the lead to six with 90 seconds remaining, setting up a tense final stretch.

Greensboro tightened the gap in the final minute, forcing crucial free throws and defensive plays from the Knights. With just two seconds left, Jude Ballstaedt launched a full-court pass to Goode, who sealed the victory with a layup.  

Johnson and Green each finished with 22 points, both hitting key shots in transition. Kartchner contributed 14 points, six rebounds, and a block, while Goode was a force on both ends of the floor, finishing with 11 points on 4-6 shooting, four assists, and a game-high three blocks.

With the victory, Southern Virginia advances to the USA South Conference Semifinals, where they will travel to Rocky Mount, NC, to face N.C. Wesleyan on Thursday. Game time is to be determined.

For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_hoops on Instagram.