Johnson scored 20 points and had 18 rebounds in a victory over Shippensburg last season. This was Johnson's ninth career double-double since joining the Golden Bears at the start of the 2009-10 season.

Junior Eric Brennan (Chester, PA/West Catholic) added 20 points and seven rebounds as the Golden Bears (3-1 overall) won their home opener. Together the tandem of Johnson and Brennan were too much for the Lightning to handle. Julius Gray (Lincoln University, PA/Oxford Area) and Jermaine Jackson (Blandon, PA/Reading) added nine points each for Kutztown, which never trailed against GBC (1-3).

Of course, the biggest development or surprise of the evening was Johnson's 8-for-9 accuracy from the foul line. When asked about Johnson's new found prowess at the foul line, veteran KU head men's basketball coach Bernie Driscoll just smiled.

“Tamir's just starting to get comfortable with his role,” Driscoll said. “He has always been a complimentary player. This year, it's the seniors' team. One night it's going to be Julius or Steve that leads us. Tonight it was Tamir. An effort like this couldn't have happened to a better kid. This is a monster game for him.”

Johnson packed 16 points into a solid first half for the Golden Bears that ended with them leading, 40-26. Last season, the Golden Bears needed a Stephen Dennis (West Chester, PA/Henderson) buzzer-beater to edge the Lightning, 76-74. Thanks to Johnson and Brennan no last second heroics were needed as Kutztown controlled the game from the opening tip.

The Golden Bears scored the first seven points of the game and never looked back. Johnson and Brennan combined for nine of KU's first 13 points as it opened a 13-2 lead six minutes into the game. Even though Brennan is new to the Golden Bears this season, he and Johnson are quickly becoming a nice powerful inside combination.

“It's real easy playing with Tamir because he is so unselfish,” Brennan said. “We look for each other when we're out on the court and we definitely feed off each other. Transitioning to the team here has been really easy because they welcomed me with open arms. This is a fun group of guys to play with because nobody's really selfish and there aren't any egos.”

When Goldey-Beacom pulled to within 25-22 with five minutes, 43 seconds remaining in the first half, Johnson stepped forward and swung the game back in Kutztown's favor. He scored 10 points in the final five minutes during a 15-4 burst to finish the first half in style.

The Golden Bears led by double figures for most of the second half. John Rowland provided the highlight of the game by throwing down a two-handed dunk late in the game that stretched Kutztown's advantage to 72-54.

Johnson knows the Golden Bears have plenty of potential to be special this season. They are creating their own identity and learning to work with each other. Even though Johnson was the leading man against the Lightning, he is more than willing to share the spotlight as long as the Golden Bears win.

“We know we all have to step up this year especially since we don't have a player like Stephen on our team,” Johnson said. “Earlier in the week after practice, coach asked me what was wrong with me and then he just told me to be comfortable and play your game. As for my foul shooting, I've been practicing and I am more confident.”

Kutztown returns to action on Wednesday, Dec. 1 when it hosts Chestnut Hill College beginning at 8 p.m.

--KU--