Pioneers Fall to Johnson on Senior Day, 95-84

Visiting Johnson University erased a 10-point first-half deficit on its way to a 95-84 win over Spartanburg Methodist College men's basketball on Senior Day Wednesday night.

The Pioneers (6-21, 4-15 AAC) recognized seniors Calvin Brown and Tavarez Lacey in pregame festivities. Despite the loss, five Pioneers scored in double figures. CJ Terrell recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds to lead SMC. Kelton Teasley added 13 points, while Kennedy Aiken-Shannon and Calvin Brown each scored 11. Cameron Pulley chipped in 10.

The Royals (14-13, 13-6 AAC) also placed five players in double figures in the win. Livingstone Cross led Johnson with 17 points. Jahmar Brown added 16, Caden Mindle scored 15, Ja'Kobe Strozier contributed 14, and Mason Lockhart finished with 13.

Johnson and SMC were tied at 22 for the only tie of the game. The Royals took their first lead when Brown made 1-of-2 free throws with 11:05 remaining in the opening half. The game remained close throughout the first 20 minutes, as a Teasley jumper cut the deficit to 34-33. Johnson responded with an 8-2 run to close the half and take a 42-35 lead into the break.

In the second half, Teasley converted a pair of free throws with 15:44 left to play to trim the deficit to seven, 55-48. The Royals answered with a 9-0 run, pushing the margin to double digits for the remainder of the contest.

Both teams shot efficiently over the final 20 minutes. Johnson shot 63.3 percent (19-of-30) from the field, while SMC shot 54.5 percent (18-of-33).

The contest concludes the 2025-26 season for the Pioneers, who look ahead to the future with optimism.