Men’s Basketball comeback falls just short in 69-68 loss to Johnson

Milligan, Tenn. (February 14, 2023) – Milligan university men's basketball suffered a defeat on Tuesday night as they lost to 69-68 to Johnson (Tenn.) in the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse.

Milligan falls to 11-15 overall and 11-12 in AAC (Appalachian Athletic Conference) play. Johnson  improves to 8-19 overall and 8-15 in AAC matchups.

The Buffs and Royals were neck and neck early on as neither team was willing to give up any open shots. Milligan led 8-6 after just five minutes of play by way of a three-point shot from Eli Walls. This was the Buffs' largest lead of the half. Johnson used an 11-3 to run to take a 17-11 advantage with eleven minutes to play.

Julian Wilson converted a three-point play and Jackson Gabriel and Sam Gold made treys as the Buffs knotted the game at 28 with 4:31 left in the half. The Royals went on a 14-3 run and carried a 42-33 lead into the half.

Milligan pulled within three after a 6-0 run made it 42-39 just three minutes into the second half. Both teams struggled to score after this as neither team scored anything other than a layup for the next six minutes. With 10 minutes to play, a 54-48 lead was held by the Royals.

The Buffs tied the game at 67-67 with 2:31 to play on a free throw by Dylan Bartley. Bartley put the Buffs ahead 68-67 with a foul shot with 24 seconds remaining.

The Royals retook the lead with a tough layup to make it 69 -68. This would prove to be vital as the Royals came up with a defensive stop on a game-winning as time expired.

Matthew Roberts led Milligan with 11 points, all in the second half. Bartley added 10 points, five rebounds and four steals. Gabriel and Finn McClure had eight points apiece.

As a team, the Milligan outrebounded Johnson 46-28, and 18-5 on the offensive glass.

Milligan closes out its regular season this Saturday as they square off against Bryan. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. and will follow the women's game.