CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Reggie Hopkins' (Gastonia, N.C., Ashbrook) game-high 17 points proved to be too much for Coker College (1-1 CC, 2-5), as the Royals (1-0, 3-4) topped the Cobras, 65-50, in their Conference Carolinas opener Saturday night in Hartsville, S.C.

Trailing for most of the first half, the Royals went on a 7-2 run, infused with two Coker turnovers and a David Cheek (Graham, N.C., Graham) block, in the final two minutes to take a 37-30 lead into the break.

The Royals would build the lead throughout the second half, receiving 26 points off the bench, including 13 from Sam Johnson (Leicester, N.C., Asheville Christian).

Royals head coach Wes Long reflected on the additional surge.

"Really got a lift from our bench tonight – the 26 points were huge," said Long. "It's good for us when we can get production from them like we did tonight.

"Sam Johnson really played well for us tonight. The 13 points and six rebounds from him show that we have several guys in the post who can be 'the guy' on any given night."

The Royals' defense forced nine turnovers while holding their oppenent to 22.2 percent shooting in the seond half to earn their second win in a row and a 1-0 start in the conference.

"To go on the road in the conference and hold your opponent to 33 percent from the field is pretty tough to do," said Long." When we guard people with that type of effort, we give ourselves a chance to win."

The Royals are off until December 18, when Tusculum College visits Ovens Athletic Center for a 4 p.m. tip.