MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The William Carey men's basketball team used a dominant second-half performance to pull away from Milligan University for a 97-78 victory Saturday afternoon at Tine Davis Gymnasium.
Milligan controlled the early stages of the game, building a 12-3 lead and extending its advantage to 23-13 midway through the opening half. William Carey responded with a momentum-changing stretch fueled by defensive pressure that helped force several turnovers that led to transition baskets.
The Crusaders erased the double-digit deficit with an 11-0 run and took their first lead of the afternoon, 24-23, on Franklin's basket with 8:44 remaining in the half.
Carey continued to capitalize on its momentum, extending the lead to 47-32 with four minutes left before taking a 58-48 advantage into the locker room.
Milligan opened the second half with back-to-back baskets to cut the deficit to eight points, but the Crusaders quickly regained control. Franklin,
Troy Dunn and
Dwight Brown sparked the response as Carey steadily pushed its lead back into double figures.
The game was effectively decided during an explosive eight-minute stretch in which the Crusaders outscored the Buffs 21-6. The run expanded Carey's lead to 83-58 near the midway point of the half. William Carey later built its advantage to more than 30 points with six minutes remaining and cruised to the 97-78 win.
Franklin turned in a career-best performance, leading all scorers with 40 points. Dunn added 16 points, while Brown finished with 12.
Rashad Stevenson also reached double figures with 10 points.
The Crusaders return to action Wednesday, Nov. 4, when they travel to Shreveport, Louisiana, for a non-conference matchup against LSU Shreveport. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
