BLUEFIELD, Va. – Bluefield University men's basketball came out firing Wednesday night, but a hot-shooting second half from Johnson (TN) lifted the Royals to a 92–85 win inside the Dome. The Rams led for more than 30 minutes of game time, including by as many as 10 points early in the second half, before Johnson surged ahead late.
Bluefield opened the game with energy and pace. DJ McDonald threw down a dunk on the opening possession, and Elijah White scored back-to-back baskets to spark a 10–3 advantage. Isaiah Sanders added five early points, and Chase Ragin-Moore connected on the Rams' first three-pointer to make it 18–11. Off the bench, DeAndre Miles provided an immediate lift with consecutive mid-range jumpers.
Johnson battled back within four at 32–28, but BU closed the half strong. White and Ke'Shaun Tonsall each reached eight points by the break, and a steady interior presence from Danny Alford—who grabbed seven first-half rebounds—helped the Rams take a 46–39 lead into halftime. Bluefield shot an efficient 58.8 percent from the field in the opening period.
The Rams extended their lead to double digits early in the second half on a White three, pushing the margin to 51–41. McDonald powered inside for an and-one layup to restore a seven-point lead at 64–57, but Johnson began to heat up. The Royals shot 65.5 percent from the floor after halftime, tying the game at 68–68 with 9:48 remaining. A clutch three from Lenair Young momentarily put BU back in front, but Johnson responded immediately with a three of its own.
Bluefield continued to fight late—Sanders knocked down a three with 1:41 to go, and McDonald threw down a transition dunk to make it 86–81—but missed free throws and Johnson's timely scores kept the Rams from reclaiming the lead. The Royals sealed the game at the line in the final minute.
White led the Rams with 16 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Alford and McDonald each finished with 15 points, with Alford adding nine rebounds and McDonald two steals. Sanders recorded 14 points and nine assists, while Tonsall added eight.
BU (1–10, 1–5 AAC) returns to action December 13 hosting Spartanburg Methodist at 4:00 p.m. inside the Dome.
