MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The William Carey men's basketball team opened the 2026-27 season with a 97-90 loss to Talladega on Friday afternoon.
The Crusaders came out with energy in a tightly contested first half that featured six ties over the opening 15 minutes. Talladega used a strong stretch from Tramarian Huguley and Jordan Moore to build a 27-17 advantage midway through the period.
William Carey responded with a 9-0 run to pull within one possession before tying the game at 30-30 on a
Malik Franklin layup with seven minutes remaining in the half.
The two teams continued to trade baskets throughout the remainder of the first half. The Crusaders eventually took a 43-38 lead following a 3-pointer from
Arzika Seibou with less than three minutes to play before the break. Talladega answered down the stretch and carried a 52-47 advantage into halftime.
The Tornadoes maintained their momentum after the break, extending their lead to 63-53 six minutes into the second half. Carey refused to go away, cutting the deficit to two points behind eight consecutive points from
Jamarion Smith and Franklin.
Talladega responded with a 10-2 run to push its lead back to double digits at 75-63 midway through the half.
The Crusaders made one final push, trimming the margin to 80-76 with five minutes remaining. However, the Tornadoes answered once again, scoring the next five points and holding off Carey down the stretch to secure the 97-90 victory.
Franklin led the Crusaders with 20 points and was one of four Carey players to score in double figures.
Troy Dunn added 11 points, while
Dwight Brown and Seibou chipped in 10 points apiece.
William Carey returns to action Saturday when it faces Milligan University. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. in Montgomery, Alabama.
