Box Score HICKORY, N.C. — Johnson C. Smith fell 96–72 to Lenoir-Rhyne on Monday morning at Shuford Memorial Arena, despite a strong bench performance that produced 41 of the Golden Bulls' points.
 
Jamauri Bryant led JCSU (2–3) with a game-high 21 points on 8-for-15 shooting while adding seven rebounds, six steals and three assists off the bench. Anthony Williams added nine points, all from behind the arc, and Jeremeé Bryant chipped in seven points.
 
Lenoir-Rhyne (5–2) controlled the early pace, shooting 65.7% in the first half and taking a 57–33 lead into the break. The Bears finished at 51.4% from the field and placed five players in double figures, led by Conrad Luczynski and Blessin Kimble with 18 points each.
 
Orlando Hudson contributed eight points, five rebounds and four assists for JCSU, while Javian Cannady added eight points and two steals. The Golden Bulls forced 13 turnovers and generated 15 points off them, while scoring 26 fast-break points.
 
JCSU shot 38.1% from three and 70% at the free-throw line but could not overcome Lenoir-Rhyne's dominance in the paint, where the Bears held a 54–28 scoring advantage.
 
Johnson C. Smith returns to action later this week as it continues its nonconference schedule at Elizabeth City State University on Saturday.