Raleigh, N.C. — The Southern Virginia University men's basketball team bounced back in a big way on the road, defeating the Pacers of William Peace University, 81–66, behind a dominant first-half performance.
William Peace opened the game with a pair of jumpers, but the Knights quickly flipped the momentum as Hyrum McConkie and Tillman Johnson knocked down back-to-back three-pointers to take the lead—one they would not relinquish the rest of the night.
Southern Virginia continued to build separation with strong interior play from Mason Hunter, Luc DeVore, and Ashton Davis, controlling the paint and dictating the pace. The Knights surged on a decisive 12–0 run over a three-minute stretch, fueled by DJ Green and Johnson. The duo continued to apply pressure from beyond the arc as the Pacers managed just four points over the final five minutes of the first half.
At the break, Southern Virginia's efficiency stood out. The Knights committed just two turnovers in the first half while holding a 9–2 advantage in assists. Offensively, they shot 48.5 percent (16–33) from the field and an impressive 54.5 percent (6–11) from three-point range, while outscoring the Pacers 34–18 in the paint. Green and Johnson combined for 29 first-half points.
William Peace looked to respond coming out of the locker room, but could get no closer than 16 points as Jude Ballstaedt and McConkie helped steady the Knights early in the second half. Green continued to lead the offense, and a Johnson free throw pushed Southern Virginia's lead to a game-high 21 points.
The Knights closed out the contest to secure the 81–66 victory.
Green led all scorers with 25 points, while Johnson and McConkie added 16 points apiece. Johnson was active defensively as well, recording four steals. DeVore provided a strong presence inside, grabbing eight rebounds in just 14 minutes of action.
Southern Virginia finished the game with only seven turnovers—their lowest total of the season—despite playing back-to-back games. The Knights now have a short reprieve before closing out their three-game road trip at Greensboro College on Wednesday, January 14, at 5:30 p.m.
For all the latest updates on Southern Virginia University men's basketball, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_mbb on Instagram.
