Knoxville, TN – Johnson University Tennessee upset the #1 Grace Christian University Tigers on Friday night, prevailing 91-82 on their home court.

Things were looking bright for the Tigers at the beginning of the second half, as they turned a five-point halftime deficit into a five point lead.  The Royals would fight back and then with approximately five minutes to go and the game tied 66-66, they hit a three point shot to take the lead and never looked back.

Junior Austin Jackson scored 27 points and senior Bernard Smith added 17 points.  Jackson was named to the All-Tournament team.

The Johnson Royals went on to defeat Great Lakes Christian College on Saturday for the 2019 Mideast Championship, earning themselves an automatic bid to the 2019 NCCAA DII National Tournament.  The Tigers' destiny will be determined on Sunday, as At-Large bids to the National Tournament will be solidified at that time.