KINGSPORT, Tenn. – A runout layup with 16 seconds left gave Johnson (Tenn.) University a 76-75 win over the University of Pikeville in the championship game of the AAC men's basketball tournament.
 
Royal center Mason Lockhart ripped down a defensive rebound and delivered a bullet outlet pass to Davon Cottle for what would prove to be the game-winning layup.
 
Sophomore Rylee Samons' fadeway jumper from the baseline over Lockhart bounced off the rim as the buzzer sounded.
 
Lockhart was named the tournament MVP after a 37-point, 12-rebound performance in the championship game.
 
Johnson (18-13) led most of the way before UPike took the lead in the second half.
 
Consecutive free throws by senior Keynan Cutlip with 2:30 left in the game gave the Bears a 75-68 lead. But they would be the final points of the game for the Bears.
 
Lockart had four of the final eight.
 
After struggling to 40.7 percent shooting in the first half, UPike hit 60.9 percent in the second half.
 
Senior guard Keian Worrix led five Bears in double figures with 15 points after hitting 3 of 4 from the outside. Seniors Bradley Bunch and LA Walker had 13 points each. Bunch had five rebounds and five assists, while Walker had five assists and four rebounds.
 
Sophomores Jaylan Rigdon and Samons scored 10 points each.
 
Lockart was joined in double figures by Cottle, who had 16, and Livingston Cross, who finished with 10, six rebounds and four assists.
 
The Bears now await their assignment in the first round of the NAIA tournament.