MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The William Carey Men's Basketball Team used a strong second half to defeat Faulkner University 83-73 Saturday afternoon.
 
"I thought Faulkner came out very aggressively early and it took us some time before we could settle in," said Head Coach Steve Knight. "Once we matched their intensity, we played very well. We played an impressive second half and made a lot of big plays on both ends of the court. Very proud of the guys today! Faulkner is a really tough place to play."
 
For seven minutes, both teams went back and forth but with Carey leading 9-8, the Eagles used a 7-0 run to gain a little separation. Over the next six minutes the Crusaders stayed within striking distance with Faulkner eventually building their lead to 26-18 with just over five minutes remaining.
 
However, four straight points from Dylan Brumfield followed by a Cam Brown three pointer sparked a 13-2 run capped by a dunk from Randarius Hughes to put WCU back in front 31-28 with under three minutes left. Over the final minutes of the half both teams traded shots with Carey taking a 37-35 lead into the break.
 
Coming out of the break, Brumfield, Brown, and Ashton Campbell scored the first seven points of the half to push the WCU lead to nine after two minutes of play. However, the Eagles responded and over the next five minutes fought their way back to within two at 49-47.
 
The Crusaders settled back in and after a layup by Hughes and a pair of free throws by Zandon Haralson, Brown made it a nine-point game once again with a three pointer from the left wing. Just like before though, Faulkner battled their way back, cutting the deficit to two again at 63-61 with seven minutes to play.
 
The next four minutes saw the Eagles stay on the heels of the Crusaders until Brumfield and Brown scored six straight points to make it 77-68 Carey with under a minute remaining. WCU sealed the victory, going 6 for 6 from the free throw line.
 
Cam Brown followed up his 25 points against Point University on Thursday with a season high of 32 points. Dylan Brumfield finished with 21 points nine assists with Ashton Campbell adding 14 points.
 
The Crusaders are back in action Tuesday, January 14, as they head to Mobile, Ala. to take on Mobile in SSAC action.