HATTIESBURG, Miss. — William Carey University used a dominant late surge to secure a 79–71 win over Brewton-Parker on Thursday night, wrapping up a game marked by momentum swings, rapid scoring runs, and long stretches of tightly contested basketball.
 
Carey opened the scoring with a layup from Jamar Jenkins, but Brewton-Parker responded quickly with baskets by Tommy J. Tisdale III and Abraham Garjah. The teams traded buckets throughout the early minutes, with neither side able to gain more than a one-possession lead.
 
Xavier Gordon-Somers gave the Barons an early lift off the bench, knocking down a three before sinking two free throws to push BPC ahead 13–10 with under 14 minutes remaining in the first half.
 
The seesaw battle continued as both teams exchanged the lead multiple times. The game's first real separation came when Malik Franklin caught fire, scoring seven straight points to give the Crusaders their largest lead of the half at 30–22 with eight minutes left. Brewton-Parker answered with a quick burst, trimming the margin to 32–31, but Carey countered again with a 5–0 run. The Barons responded once more, closing the gap to 37–36 at halftime.
 
The second half opened with more swings. Brewton-Parker scored first, but Javeon Gordon quickly answered with a three to reclaim the lead for William Carey. The teams continued to trade baskets until the Crusaders finally created breathing room. Holding a narrow 47–45 advantage with 13 minutes to play, Carey strung together a decisive stretch: layups from Jenkins and Makeem Roberts, followed by threes from Arzika Seibou and Anthony Robinson, built a 57–47 lead.
 
Though Carey held the edge, the Barons refused to fade. Garjah, Jones, and Gordon-Somers methodically chipped away at the deficit, eventually pulling within 70–69 after a layup from Jones with 2:24 remaining.
 
From there, the Crusaders closed the door.
 
Franklin hit a clutch jumper before Randarius Hughes electrified the gym with a powerful dunk, stretching the lead to six with just over a minute left. Carey iced the game at the free-throw line, as Roberts and Franklin knocked down key attempts to secure the 79–71 victory.
 
Franklin led all scorers with 22 points, while Hughes posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 boards. Roberts added 13 points and nine rebounds in the win.
 
William Carey returns to action on Saturday, January 24, hosting Point University at Clinton Gym. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m.