Box Score DAYTON, TN- The Bryan College Lions delivered one of their most thrilling performances of the season on Saturday, defeating the visiting Johnson University Royals 65–64 in an Appalachian Athletic Conference showdown at Summers Gymnasium.

Johnson controlled the opening half, using disciplined ball movement and efficient shooting to take a 30–22 lead into the break. But the Lions emerged from halftime with renewed energy and a determination that set the tone for a dramatic comeback.

Bryan wasted no time swinging momentum. On the first possession of the second half, Kole Torres drilled a three-pointer, igniting the home crowd. Moments later, Dalen Gales attacked the rim for a tough finish, and Terrell Reeves followed with a smooth baseline jumper to cap a 7–0 burst. The fast start signaled the Lions' intent—and they never let up.

Defensively, Bryan executed one of their best efforts of the year. Entering the contest averaging 83 points per game in AAC play, the Royals were held to just 64, as the Lions tightened up rotations, contested shots, and battled on the glass.

The game swung back and forth throughout the final stretch. With five minutes remaining, Reeves knocked down a jumper to tie the score, and both teams traded clutch baskets as the tension grew. Johnson broke a 62–62 tie with a putback layup with 15.2 seconds remaining, forcing the Lions into a final timeout to draw up one last opportunity.

Out of the timeout, Gales attacked the basket but saw his shot blocked. In the scramble for the loose ball, Trey Morrow pounced, keeping the possession alive before kicking the ball back out to Gales. With time expiring, Gales drove once more and found Morrow spotting up on the perimeter. Morrow rose, released—and buried the buzzer-beating three-pointer that sent Summers Gymnasium into a frenzy and sealed the 65–64 victory.

"I am really happy for our players. We've been challenged with a tough schedule and have come close so many times, so it was great to see them experience a win tonight," said head coach Jason Laatsch. "And what an unbelievable shot by Trey, with a great find by Dalen to set him up," he continued. "I want to thank the fans for their constant support and for helping make Summers Gymnasium such a tough place for opponents to play at," he added.

Bryan was led by the trio of Dalen Gales, Trey Morrow, and Jerry Taylor Jr., each playing pivotal roles in the Lions' resilient second-half surge.

With the win, Bryan improves to 3–8 overall and 2–3 in AAC play, gaining valuable momentum as they continue conference action.

The Lions return to the court next Wednesday, December 10, when they travel to face Montreat College in another key AAC matchup.