HATTIESBURG, Miss. — William Carey’s men’s basketball team defeated Point University 88–73 in an energetic game Saturday evening at Clinton Gym.
Head coach Steve Knight praised his team’s response after a sluggish first half. “I thought we did a good job responding to our first half performance and played with a lot more energy, especially in the last 10 minutes,” he said. “Point was ready to play today and played pretty well until the last 6-7 minutes. We didn’t shoot the ball very well, so we had to find other ways to score. Offensive rebounds were huge for us in this game.”
The Crusaders started strong, opening with an 11–2 run capped by a three from Jamar Jenkins. Three-pointers from Javeon Gordon and Malik Franklin helped maintain control, pushing the lead to double digits at both the 15- and 10-minute marks. However, Point responded with a 15–2 run, taking its first lead at 30–27 with seven minutes remaining in the first half.
Jenkins answered with a three, regaining the lead for Carey, and Franklin hit back-to-back threes to secure a 48–45 halftime lead. The second half saw multiple lead changes, but Carey pulled away after a late third-quarter surge. Trailing 58–57, the Crusaders went on a run led by Makeem Roberts, Anthony Robinson and Franklin, pushing ahead 63–58.
Arzika Seibou contributed with three consecutive layups midway through the second half, extending the lead to 73–62. Robinson energized the team with back-to-back dunks around the six-minute mark, increasing the lead to 79–68 and putting the Skyhawks on their heels. Carey’s defense clamped down late, allowing the Crusaders to maintain a double-digit edge.
Roberts sealed the game with a late steal and layup, making it 84–73 with 1:36 remaining. Hughes added a basket moments later to secure the victory. Robinson finished with 17 points, leading five Crusaders in double figures. Jenkins scored 13 points, Roberts had a double-double with 12 points and 18 rebounds, Franklin added 12 points, and Hughes posted 11 points and 13 rebounds for his third consecutive double-double.
William Carey will visit Loyola University in New Orleans on Monday, Jan. 26, for a game scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m., according to school officials.
