In helping the Pioneers to their first-ever Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament championship, Royal was named tournament MVP. In three games, he had 65 points – including a career-high 34 in the semifinals – 19 rebounds, six assists, five steals and two blocks. He shot 57 percent (25-of-44) from the field and 78 percent (14-of-18) from the free-throw line. Royal has four double-doubles in Wayland’s last 10 games. Coach Matt Garnett on Royal’s effort in the semifinals: "What a performance he put on.”