KINGSPORT, Tenn.— The Montreat College men's basketball team played its final game of the year on Thursday. The sixth-seeded Cavaliers came up short against the No. 3-seeded Johnson University Royals, 71-50, in the quarterfinal round of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament. As a result of the postseason contest, the Cavs finished the season with a 15-13 (10-9 AAC) record. Meanwhile, Johnson improved to 16-13 (13-6 AAC).
 
The game's opening saw a strong start from the Cavaliers, who established an early lead through effective scoring in the paint and contributions from the bench. Caleb Moore set the tone with an early steal, and RJ Manginello broke the ice with a jumper one minute later. Aden Taylor extended the advantage with a 3-pointer, pushing the Cavs ahead 9-3.
 
As the half progressed, Lawrence Cole was pivotal, scoring consistently to maintain Montreat's lead, which reached its peak at seven points with 12:33 remaining (17-10). However, the Royals responded, gradually narrowing the gap through a series of successful layups and key 3-point shooting.
 
Down the stretch for the Cavaliers, paint scoring continued to be effective. Mike Wade and Cole converted baskets, as well as Manginello, who tied the game at 26-26 with a layup at the 2:12 mark. Despite the effort from the Cavs, Johnson began to pull ahead. JU rattled off a 6-1 spurt in the final couple of minutes to put itself ahead 32-27 as the first half came to a close.
 
Montreat began the second frame doing its best to cut into Johnson's lead. Owen Stewart and Moore led the way in keeping the visitors within striking distance, cutting the Royals' edge to 37-33 less than five minutes into the period. However, JU responded by only widening the gap.
 
In spite of the effort from players like Manginello and Taylor, who contributed from the 3-point line and the charity stripe, Johnson grew its advantage as the half continued. The Royals achieved their largest lead of the matchup with the game's final points, taking the contest and advancing to the AAC Semifinals behind a 71-50 scoreline.
 
On the night, the Cavaliers shot 38.0 percent from the field (19-50 FG) and 12.5 percent from deep (2-16 3-pt FG). Defensively, they held JU to shooting 48.1 percent overall (26-54 FG) and 38.5 percent from three (5-13 3-pt FG). The Royals owned advantages in rebounds (37-31) and assists (12-5). Montreat possessed a slight edge in steals (7-5).
 
Manginello paced the squad with 12 points, converting five field goals and securing five rebounds. Stewart collected nine boards and scored four points. Cole contributed 10 points with four field goals made in the first half. Taylor rounded out the scoring with 11 points. Moore posted three steals and added two points.
 
"Obviously, we didn't get the result we wanted, but this group has been really fun to coach," said Head Coach Anthony Barringer. "It's a long road back, and we'll do the work to return here."
 
The Montreat College men's basketball team concluded its 2025-26 season with a 15-13 (10-9 AAC) record.