HATTIESBURG, Miss. — William Carey University used a late surge to secure a 79-71 victory over Brewton-Parker on Thursday night.
The game featured momentum shifts, quick scoring runs, and tightly contested stretches. Carey opened the scoring with a layup from Jamar Jenkins, but Brewton-Parker responded with baskets from Tommy J. Tisdale III and Abraham Garjah. The teams traded leads early, with neither side gaining more than a one-possession advantage.
Xavier Gordon-Somers provided an early boost for the Barons, hitting a three-pointer and sinking two free throws to give Brewton-Parker a 13–10 lead with under 14 minutes remaining in the first half. The game remained close, with Malik Franklin igniting a run for Carey, scoring seven straight points to push the Crusaders ahead 30–22 with eight minutes left.
Brewton-Parker answered with a quick burst, narrowing the gap to 32–31, but Carey responded with a 5–0 run. The Barons trimmed the halftime deficit to 37–36. In the second half, both teams continued to exchange leads until Carey created separation. With 13 minutes remaining, the Crusaders led 47–45 and then pulled away with a series of baskets and three-pointers, building a 57–47 advantage.
Despite Carey’s lead, Brewton-Parker fought back. Garjah, Jones, and Gordon-Somers chipped away at the deficit, pulling within 70–69 after a layup from Jones with 2:24 remaining. Carey responded with clutch free throws from Franklin and key dunks from Randarius Hughes, who electrified the crowd by dunking powerfully. The Crusaders sealed the game at the free-throw line, with Roberts and Franklin making critical shots to secure the 79–71 win.
Franklin led all scorers with 22 points. Hughes posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Roberts added 13 points and nine rebounds. William Carey returns to action Saturday, hosting Point University at Clinton Gym with tip-off scheduled for 2 p.m.
