ATHENS — Wade Pearce poured in 19 points, including 5 3-pointers, but it wasn't enough as Johnson fell 67-50 to Clarke Central on Wednesday in Region 8-5A action on the road.
The Gladiators (10-6, 9-1 Region 8-5A) opened the game with a 21-11 first quarter and then held off the Knights (3-14, 1-10 Region 8-5A) the rest of the way. Clarke Central took a 32-20 lead into halftime but Johnson played the first-place Gladiators to a virtual standstill in the second half.
Jackson Vandiver added 12 points for Johnson.
Clarke Central's Rio Foster led all scorers with 25 points.
The Knights will be back in action on Friday at The Palace against Eastside.
