THOMASVILLE, Ga. — William Carey University rode a red-hot offensive start and a composed final-minute finish to earn an 87–84 victory over Thomas University on Thursday evening, with the Crusaders delivering key plays on both ends of the floor to hold off a furious late rally.
 
"This was just another tough game in the SSAC," said Assistant Coach Phillip McCray. "Thomas was well prepared for this game. They threw some stuff at us defensively to try to keep us out of a rhythm and they were also ready for what we threw at them.
 
After falling behind 12–7 in the opening minutes, the Crusaders seized control with a 16–4 run highlighted by a Jamar Jenkins three-pointer. Arzika Seibou and Malik Franklin fueled the surge, combining for 13 straight points as Carey moved ahead by seven with 10 minutes remaining in the half.
 
Thomas narrowed the deficit to 23–20, but WCU responded immediately. A 9–2 run capped by a Javeon Gordon three extended the lead to 32–22. The Nighthawks continued to push, again pulling within a single possession, but Carey closed the half with a steady 10–5 stretch to take a 42–34 advantage into halftime.
 
The Crusaders struck quickly out of the break. An Anthony Robinson layup and another timely three from Gordon stretched the lead to 57–42 just three minutes into the second half. Though Carey appeared poised to pull away, Thomas battled back throughout the period, keeping the pressure on and trimming the gap to 67–58 midway through the half.
 
With just under five minutes to play, Thomas pulled within 74–70 before Gordon connected on another clutch three to restore breathing room. The Nighthawks countered with a late push of their own, cutting the margin to one on a Goldson three, then tying the game at 84–84 with 39 seconds remaining.
 
Carey regained control thanks to a critical second-chance opportunity. After Franklin's three-point attempt bounced off the rim, Randarius Hughes secured a pivotal offensive rebound, extending the possession. With the clock under 10 seconds, Franklin attacked the basket, drawing a foul and calmly sinking both free throws to give WCU an 86–84 lead.
 
The Crusaders' defense sealed the win on the ensuing possession, forcing a turnover as Thomas attempted to push the ball up the floor in the final seconds.
 
"We have to get better at putting teams away when we're up," said McCray. "We got up by as many as 15pts. Hopefully we can learn from these situations and continue to make progress. We know we'll be in more close game situations, so we'll put more emphasis on finishing the right way. For now, we'll take the win and prepare for the next game."
 
Malik Franklin led the way with a season high of 29 points with Javeon Gordon adding 17 points. Anthony Robinson chipped in 14 points while Jamar Jenkins finished with 12 points.
 
WCU is back in action on Saturday, January 17, as they head to Tifton, Ga. to take on Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 pm.