Williamsburg, Ky. — William Carey’s men’s basketball season concluded Friday after a 95-68 loss to Cumberlands in the second round of the NAIA National Championship. The Crusaders took an early lead when Javeon Gordon made a three-pointer in the opening seconds, but Cumberlands responded with a 19-0 run to seize control of the game.
William Carey’s Randarius Hughes ended the run with a layup with less than 14 minutes remaining in the first half. Despite the deficit, the Crusaders kept fighting. Makeem Roberts, Malik Franklin, and Anthony Robinson scored to gradually cut into the lead. Defense improved in the final nine minutes of the half, limiting Cumberlands to just eight points. Robinson hit a late three-pointer and Franklin added a layup, closing the gap to 43-25 at halftime.
Coming out of the break, William Carey opened with baskets from Roberts and Gordon. Gordon made multiple three-pointers early in the second half, including one with under 15 minutes left, to bring the Crusaders within 13 points at 52-39. However, Cumberlands responded with a 20-5 run over the next five minutes, pulling away for a commanding lead. The Patriots eventually built a 93-55 advantage before securing the 95-68 victory.
Gordon led William Carey with 17 points, and Franklin added 15. The Crusaders finished the season with a 28-5 overall record and a 15-3 mark in conference play.
