HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The William Carey Men's Basketball held off a late rally to defeat Thomas (Ga.) 79-77 in their conference opener Saturday afternoon at Clinton Gym.
 
Carey got off to a good start as four different Crusaders combined for 10 points to open the game on a 10-2 run.  However, Thomas halted the run and countered with a 9-0 run to take a one point lead with 14 minutes left in the first half.
 
From there WCU would retake the lead on a couple of free throws by Earl Smith and slowly go on to build a 15 advantage before taking a 47-36 lead into the break.
 
Coming out of the break the Crusaders would maintain the double digit lead until a two point basket by the Nighthawks with 15 minutes left to play.  Over the next three minutes Thomas would cut the deficit to 55-53 but Dylan Brumfield followed with a three pointer that would keep it at a two possession game until under five minutes.
 
With 71-69 Carey, the Nighthawks would retake the lead on a three point basket by Jarvis Brown.  Over the next three minutes the game would be tied on three different occasions with the lead changing hands three times.
 
With the game tied at 77 all with less than 30 seconds remaining, Brumfield would drive the lane and pull up for the jumper.  The ensuing shot would miss the mark but Kaeden Laws was there for the rebound and would be fouled on the put back attempt sending him to the free throw line with under 10 seconds remaining.  Laws would convert both of the free throws for what would the game winner as the Crusader defense clamped down not allowing Thomas to attempt a last second shot.
 
Dylan Brumfield led the offense with 25 points and eight rebounds.  Ankerion Gross finished with 18 points with Earl Smith adding 17 points.
 
WCU is back in action Tuesday, November 28, as they travel to Mobile, Ala. to take on Mobile in SSAC play.  Tip-off is slated for 7:30 pm.