HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The William Carey Men's Basketball Team survived a late rally to defeat Blue Mountain Christian 83-75 in overtime Saturday afternoon at Clinton Gym.
 
Both teams got off to a sluggish start but would eventually find their footing.  With the score tied at 22 all with under five minutes to play, the Crusaders closed the half on a 12-3 run to take a nine point lead into the break.
 
The Carey offense got off to a good start in the second half, as they would go on to build a 62-36 lead with eight minutes to play.  However, the WCU offense went cold and the Toppers offense caught fire, as they went on to erase the deficit with a 31-5 run to tie the game and force overtime.
 
The Crusaders would regain their focus in the overtime and with two minutes remaining Kolby Moore would drain a three pointer to give Carey the lead for good at 73-69 and they never looked back.
 
Earl Smith led the offense with 22 points and eight rebounds while Zandon Haralson had 15 points and nine rebounds.  Kolby Moore and Ashton Campbell each finished with 11 points.
 
Carey is back in action Tuesday, February 20, as they travel to Tuscaloosa, Ala. to take on Stillman College in SSAC action.  Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm.