HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The William Carey Men's Basketball Team outlasted Louisiana Christian, defeating the Wildcats 90-84 Saturday afternoon at Clinton Gym.
 
"This was an exciting, action-packed game between two teams who played with great intensity," said Head Coach Steve Knight. "We were able to get crucial stops on defense in the second half and converted enough on offense to win the game. We were very active on defense which led to excellent offensive opportunities. Very proud of our effort and a big thanks to our fans for showing up in large numbers. It was a great basketball environment."
 
After trading shots to open the game, LCU scored five straight points to take an 18-13 lead. Back-to-back three-point baskets by Javeon Gordon and Zandon Haralson with just over fourteen minutes left in the half, put the Crusaders up by one point.
 
The Wildcats responded with a 6-0 run but once again Carey answered, retaking the lead, as Ankerion Gross converted an and one to put Carey back in front 27-26 with eleven minutes left. Once again, the back and forth continued until Carey took the lead 33-27 on two free throws by Groos and back-to-back dunks by Cam Brown and Dylan Brumfield with less than ten minutes remaining in the half.
 
From there WCU would go on to lead by as many as ten points but with the Crusaders leading 52-43 with under two minutes to play, the Wildcats closed the half on a 7-3 run to go into the break down five points.
 
LCU opened the second half cutting the deficit to just two points but Brumfield and Makeem Roberts combined for seven straight points to push the Carey lead to 62-53. The Wildcats stayed within striking distance and with twelve minutes remaining, battled their way back to within one at 62-61. Once again, the Crusaders answered, pulling away again to take a 73-63 lead.
 
Over the next six minutes, WCU maintained a comfortable lead until the Wildcats cut the deficit to 82-79 with two minutes left in the game. That would be as close as they would get, as Carey sealed the victory going 7 for 8 from the free throw line with Brumfield adding a two-point basket.
 
Dylan Brumfield led four Crusaders in double figures with twenty-one points and six steals while Cam Brown added eighteen points. Ankerion Gross finished with eleven points with Jamar Jenkins chipping in ten points.
 
Carey is back in action Thursday, November 14, as they head to Blue Mountain, Miss. to open conference play against Blue Mountain Christian. Play is set begin at 7:30 pm.