MONTREAT, N.C.— The Montreat College men's basketball team took on the Johnson University Royals in a major Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup on Wednesday night. The Royals came out on top, beating the Cavaliers in overtime with a final score of 103-94. As a result of the contest, the Cavs now hold an 11-8 (7-5 AAC) record, while Johnson improved to 8-11 (7-4 AAC).
The offense for Montreat wasted no time in getting going, converting multiple fast break opportunities into points early on. Mike Wade initiated the scoring for the Cavaliers with a layup, and Owen Stewart continued to add on with baskets on back-to-back possessions, helping secure a brief 9-6 lead.
As the contest approached the midway point in the half, the Cavs capitalized on their inside presence. Lawrence Cole and Stewart scored multiple baskets in the paint to keep Montreat out front. Despite the Royals' attempts to close the gap, a 3-pointer from Stewart at the nine-and-a-half-minute mark put the Cavaliers up nine (25-16), their biggest lead of the night.
In the latter stages of the first frame, JU began to match the Cavs' pace, tying the game at 37 with just under three minutes remaining. Montreat quickly reclaimed the lead with a Wade 3-pointer, but Johnson responded right back. Ultimately, as the period came to a close, both teams remained in a stalemate, heading into halftime deadlocked at 42-42.
Coming out of the intermission, it was clear both teams were ready to play, as the lead exchanged hands multiple times. At 11:38, Aden Taylor hit a big three cutting the lead for the Royals to just one (56-55). Despite Montreat's efforts, Johnson started to pull away, leading by as many as 13 with just over four minutes left to play.
Just as it looked like the Royals were ready to shut the Cavaliers out, the Cavs mounted a comeback, highlighted by Taylor's multiple clutch 3-pointers, two of which became four-point plays. Cole contributed the fast break layup that tied the game with only five seconds remaining. Montreat was able to get one last stop to keep both teams knotted at 84 points apiece and force overtime.
As the extra frame tipped off, it didn't take long for the Cavaliers to find themselves in another hole. Johnson scored nine unanswered points, taking a big early lead to start off the overtime period. Taylor broke the drought for the Cavs with 1:36 to go, and Cole pulled the hosts with 97-89 with 39 seconds left. Stewart also added points late, but the already established lead by the Royals proved too big to overcome. Overtime finished with JU leading 103-94.
"Our kids fight," said head coach Anthony Barringer. "Playing in this type of game, the stakes are high, but that's where you find out what kind of dog you are."
On the night, Montreat shot 44.4 percent from the field (36-81 FG) and 44.4 percent from deep (12-27 3-pt FG). Defensively, the Cavaliers held Johnson to shooting 46.8 percent overall (29-62 FG) and 46.4 percent from three (13-28 3-pt FG). The Cavs held a slight edge in steals (4-3), while the Royals maintained advantages in rebounds (44-37) and assists (18-17).
Stewart notched himself a double-double with career highs in points (27) and rebounds (12). Taylor added 24 points, hitting six 3-pointers and contributing a season-high seven assists, showcasing his playmaking ability. Cole added 16 points. Caleb Moore recorded four points and two steals while providing three assists. Wade contributed nine points and four rebounds, also dishing out three assists.
Up next for Montreat, it travels to face Columbia College on Friday, Jan. 23. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. in Columbia, S.C.
