MONTGOMERY, Ala. – William Carey men's basketball dropped a key SSAC matchup Thursday night, falling to Faulkner University 105–88 at Tine Davis Gym.
 
The Crusaders opened the game trading baskets with the Eagles, getting early production from Anthony Robinson, Javeon Gordon, and Randarius Hughes to keep things tight through the opening minutes.
 
A three-pointer from Makeem Roberts with 14 minutes remaining in the half gave WCU a 17–15 lead, but Faulkner responded with a decisive 15–0 run over the next three minutes to take a 13-point advantage.
 
Carey halted the run with five straight points and continued to battle, matching Faulkner possession-for-possession over the next stretch. The Crusaders steadily chipped away, and a layup by Jamar Jenkins with six minutes left cut the deficit to 38–36. WCU's defensive pressure kept them within striking distance, but offensive struggles late in the half allowed the Eagles to take a 52–44 lead into the break.
 
WCU came out strong to start the second half. Roberts scored quickly, and Jenkins added early free throws to trim the margin to 52–49. Carey kept the deficit within two possessions for several minutes, pulling within one multiple times—the last coming on a Roberts layup with under 13 minutes to play.
 
But with Faulkner leading 65–63, a three-pointer from Jordyn Turner-Durley sparked a pivotal 22–7 run that pushed the Eagles' lead to 17 with seven minutes remaining. Faulkner continued to stretch the margin down the stretch, ultimately securing the 105–88 victory.
 
Roberts paced the Crusaders with 21 points, while Jenkins added 15. Troy Dunn finished with 11 points, and Gordon contributed 10.
 
William Carey returns to action on Saturday, February 14, traveling to Mobile for another conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m.