Buena Vista, VA – The Southern Virginia University men's basketball team battled from start to finish and came away with a hard-fought 77–71 win over N.C. Wesleyan, snapping an eight-game losing streak to the Battling Bishops and avenging last season's conference semifinal loss.

The opening four minutes featured six lead changes as both teams traded baskets, with Tillman Johnson scoring six of the Knights' first 10 points to keep Southern Virginia in front. After the teams were tied at 16, Jude Ballstaedt sparked a quick five-point run to knot the game at 21.

Neither side could create separation until Ashton Davis went to work in the paint, finishing through contact, and Abe Connolly added a layup to push the Knights ahead by five. Still, the back-and-forth battle continued, and after seven total lead changes, baskets from Hyrum McConkie and Luc DeVore sent Southern Virginia into halftime with a 43–39 advantage.

Johnson led the Knights in the first half with 13 points, knocking down three three-pointers, while Southern Virginia capitalized on turnovers, scoring 18 points off six Bishop giveaways and committing just four turnovers themselves.

N.C. Wesleyan came out of the break on a run, holding the Knights scoreless for four minutes and using an 11–0 spurt to take the lead. The Bishops continued to build momentum, stretching their advantage to nine with 12 minutes remaining.

Southern Virginia responded with energy and execution. DJ Green buried a three, Davis threw down a momentum-shifting dunk, and Mason Hunter drilled another triple to bring the Knights back within one possession. Davis and Johnson then tied the game at 66–66 with four minutes to play.

After a Bishop dunk briefly regained the lead, Hunter hit a clutch corner three to put Southern Virginia back in front. The Knights closed the game at the free-throw line, where Johnson went 4-for-4 and Green added two more to seal the 77–71 victory.

Davis continued his hot streak, scoring a team-high 21 points off the bench on 8-of-10 shooting (80.0%) and 5-of-6 from the line (83.3%).

Johnson followed with 17 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Green and Hunter delivered timely shooting in the second-half comeback.

Turnovers were the difference as Southern Virginia committed just six total and only two in the second half.

The Knights will hit the road next to face Brevard College on Saturday, January 25, looking to build on the momentum after their 89–69 win over the Tornadoes earlier this month.

For all the latest updates on Southern Virginia University men's basketball, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_mbb on Instagram.