Box Score HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The Crusaders showcased a dominant first half and balanced scoring, securing a 91-71 victory against Talladega College on Saturday afternoon at Clinton Gym.
 
Assistant Coach Phillip McCray said after the game, "The guys were excited to be back in action after the holiday break. We could see it early in the game by how hard and fast they were playing. However, we had a slow start on the score board because we rushed a lot of shots. Our timing was a little off and we had a couple of slow possessions on offense."
 
After a scoreless two minutes, Talladega broke the drought with back-to-back baskets, taking an early lead. The Crusaders quickly found their rhythm as Jamar Jenkins scored the first ten points for Carey, tying the game after five minutes of play.
 
The teams exchanged baskets over the next seven minutes, with neither side leading by more than four points. However, Anthony Robinson and Travis Williams hit consecutive three-pointers, propelling WCU ahead 31-24. This spark ignited the Crusader offense, with Jenkins extending the lead to ten points by the six-minute mark and then to 15 with under three minutes remaining in the half. A final three-pointer from Williams sent Carey into halftime with a solid 49-33 advantage. During the half, Carey shot 41.2% from beyond the arc and forced 11 turnovers, converting them into 17 points.
 
WCU maintained a comfortable lead into the second half, though the Tornadoes trimmed the deficit to 60-48 shortly after play resumed. However, Talladega could not come any closer as Carey's defense tightened, holding the Tornadoes without a basket for a two-minute stretch. This defensive effort led to two turnovers, allowing the Crusader offense to go on a 9-0 run and extend their lead to 21 points. From that point on, it was all WCU, which pulled away to a 28-point lead before sealing the victory.
 
"The energy and effort we played with started to show later as we got into a better rhythm offensively and kept our defensive pressure throughout." said McCray. "We played roughly 30 minutes of really good ball. Hopefully that can carry over as we prepare for Dillard and then get into conference play next week."
 
Jamar Jenkins led all scorers with 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including two three-pointers and a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. Makeem Roberts contributed significantly on both ends of the court, finishing with 11 points, six assists, and five steals. Troy Dunn added 12 points off the bench, including two three-pointers, while Dominic Simpkins chipped in nine points and four rebounds. The Crusaders' bench overall made a substantial contribution, scoring 43 points throughout the game.
 
Carey returns to action on Monday, January 5, as they head to New Orleans, La., to face Dillard University in non-conference action. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.