2021 National Champions: Men's Basketball Claims NCCAA DII Crown

JOPLIN, Mo. - The Johnson University Royals men's basketball team won the 2021 NCCAA DII National Championship on Saturday, March 13th, claiming the first ever national championship in athletic department history.

The Royals were dominant in the championship game, defeating Arlington Baptist University 95-74.  Coby Jones led the Royals with 30 points and Miles Long added 22, while the Royals' defense held a high powered Arlington Baptist offense in check by forcing 21 turnovers in the contest.

In the National Semifinal game, the Royals defeated Kansas Christian College 92-67.  Defense was the name of the game in the matchup, as the Royals held Kansas Christian to 9.5% shooting from deep and forced 18 turnovers.  Johnson was well balanced offensively as five Royals scored in double figures and 17 of Johnson's 32 made shots were assisted.

The Royals survived a scare in the National Quarterfinals, hanging on to a 97-92 double overtime win over Manhattan Christian College.  Johnson led for over 37 minutes of the contest and stretched the lead to 13 in regulation, but the Thunder would not go away.  The Royals had a game winning jumper rim out in regulation, and Jordan White of Manhattan Christian hit a 75-foot desperation heave in overtime to force a second extra period.  Finally in double overtime, Johnson took charge and pulled away for the win.  Coby Jones had 38 in the win while Gaving Grubb and Orion Mashburn added 22 and 18 respectively.

The Royals entered the NCCAA DII National Tournament as the #3 overall seed.  A strong second half of the season led to the Royals claiming the #1 seed in the Mideast Region, and Johnson finished the COVID-19 shortened season with a 14-7 record.