WINSTON-SALEM -- The Carolina University Bruins Men's Basketball Team returned to the court on Tuesday, January 12th against the Johnson University Royals. Both teams had an extended break and hadn't played since November. Despite the lay off, the Bruins got out of the gates fast securing an early 9-0 lead capped off by an Ofoegbu dunk and a Cooper 3. CU would push the lead to as many as 12 in the first half, but the Royals would not go away. Just before half-time Johnson University had crawled to within 1, but Peyton Jr. nailed a deep 3 at the buzzer to give the Bruins a 4 point edge at the half. The Royals started the second half strong and took a narrow lead. Cooper made a 3 for CU to knot the game at 43, but JU quickly answered. The Royals never led by more than 6, but had an answer for each of the Bruins runs. Johnson University would earn the narrow victory, 74-71. 

Micah Cooper stood out for the Bruins scoring 19 points and securing 9 rebounds. Andrue Aguilera and Kester Ofoegbu also reached double-figures scoring 18 and 13 respectively. Ofoegbu also grabbed 8 rebounds, including 4 offensive. The Bruins will look to bounce back against Toccoa Falls College on Tuesday, January 19th in Toccoa Falls, GA. The Bruins beat the Eagles 81-72 early in the season. Carolina University will also get another shot at the Johnson University Royals on Saturday, January 23rd in Knoxville, TN.