BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. – The Crusaders fended off a late-game rally to secure an 89-81 overtime victory against Blue Mountain Christian University on Saturday afternoon.
 
"I thought we played one of our best games of the year until we hit the dry spell midway through the second half," said Head Coach Steve Knight. Give Blue Mountain credit for their excellent comeback to take it into overtime. We played very solid overtime period with great plays on both ends of the floor."
 
Carey started strong, quickly establishing a 12-5 lead after six minutes with an Arzika Seibou three-pointer. The offensive momentum continued as WCU stretched their advantage to 23-12 by the 11-minute mark.
 
Although Blue Mountain managed to narrow the gap to six points on two occasions, each time the Crusaders responded decisively. On the second occasion, a three-pointer from Dominic Simpkins pushed WCU ahead to a commanding 35-12 lead with four minutes left in the first half. In the final minutes before halftime, BMCU once again cut the deficit to single digits, but the Crusaders went into the break with a 42-34 lead.
 
The second half began with a basket from the Toppers, but Carey quickly countered with five straight points, extending their lead to 54-38 following a steal and dunk by Anthony Robinson just three minutes in.
 
For most of the half, WCU maintained a comfortable lead. However, with Carey ahead 74-59, the Toppers launched a comeback, outscoring the Crusaders 15-0 over a four-minute stretch to tie the game. Malik Franklin ended the scoring drought with a three-pointer, momentarily putting the Crusaders back in front. In the closing minutes, WCU struggled to convert free throws, creating an opening for BMCU. Kam Carter seized the opportunity, completing a layup that sent the game into overtime.
 
Overtime began with two scoreless minutes, but Franklin got Carey on the board first. The Crusaders' defense took charge from there, limiting Blue Mountain to just one field goal, allowing WCU to pull away for the win.
 
Malik Franklin led the Crusaders with a career-high 23 points, with Makeem Roberts contributing 16 points and 10 rebounds. Javeon Gordon added 14 points, while Anthony Robinson finished with 10 points.
 
Carey will be back in action on Monday, December 15, as they return home to face Southeastern Baptist. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM at Clinton Gym.