CLEVELAND, Ga. – Truett McConnell University men's basketball (4-2 overall, 1-0 AAC) hope to build onto their two-game win streak as they travel to Knoxville, Tenn. to take on the Johnson University Royals (2-2) in Douglas E. Karnes Arena on Saturday.
 
Saturday's contest will serve as Johnson's 2026-27 Appalachian Athletic Conference opener, as Truett McConnell have already recorded their first conference game and victory at home over the Bryan College Lions on Thursday. The Royals look to maintain success after a 2025-26 season that featured 13 regular season conference wins and an AAC Tournament victory that served as their first tournament title in program history. 
 
Notable returners for the Royals include seniors Davon Cottle and Dallas Carbaugh who offered 15 and 8.8 points per game respectively in 2025-26. Johnson is 2-2 to start the season after wins over Welch and WVU Tech.
 
TMU faces short rest after completing a 105-100 barnburner at home on Thursday that featured a career high 36 points from fourth-year guard Jadon Yeh. Emanuel Befekadu and Preston Kent also had impressive nights with 17 and 13 points respectively. Saturday's game will serve as the Bears' first road AAC contest of 2026-27.
 
Tip-off is set to occur at 4:00 p.m. in Knoxville.