MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The William Carey Men's Basketball Team fell to Life University 84-80 in the quarterfinals of the SSAC Tournament at the Multi-plex at Cramton Bowl.
 
Head Coach Steve Knight said, "This was a game that either team could have won. We played with a lot of energy and effort and led many times in the 2nd half, but they just made more plays down the stretch than we did. Life is a really good team. We have nothing to be ashamed of as we competed at a high level. Proud of our guys!"
 
The Crusaders got off to a quick start on back-to-back three pointers by Ashton Campbell and a layup by Makeem Roberts to open an 8-3 advantage after two minutes of play. Both teams traded shots over the next seven minutes with each taking turns with the lead.
 
With the Running Eagles leading 19-17, they used a 13-4 run over a four-minute span to jump out to an 11-point lead. Carey halted the run on back-to-back baskets by Campbell and Dylan Brumfield and cut the deficit to 33-30 on five straight points by Brumfield with four minutes left in the half.
 
However, Life countered with another run, this time jumping out to a 42-30 lead with just over a minute remaining. WCU though slowed the run, closing the half on a 7-1 run to get within six points at the break.
 
Out of the break, Life opened with a three pointer and over the next few minutes both teams again went back and forth. Carey kept up the offensive pressure, fighting their way back to take a 51-50 lead on a Brumfield layup with under sixteen minutes remaining.
 
The next six minutes saw both teams trade shots until Life pulled away to a 68-62 advantage. Again, the Crusaders fought their way back to retake the lead 71-68 on a Cam Brown three pointer with six minutes remaining.
 
The Running Eagles quickly tied the game and after baskets by both teams, Life took the lead for good with a 5-0 run. The Crusaders managed to get within two on multiple occasions, but each time Life answered to hold on for the win.
 
Both Cam Brown and Ashton Campbell led the offense finishing with 19 points. Dylan Brumfield added 18 points with Zandon Haralson finishing with 13 points.
 
William Carey will now have to wait to see if they receive an at-large bid to the opening round of the NAIA National Championship.