William Carey defeated Xavier University of Louisiana 88-87 Friday night in the first round of the NAIA National Tournament, tying the school record for wins in a season. The Crusaders overcame a nine-point second-half deficit and secured the win with a late three-pointer from Troy Dunn, according to team sources.
Head coach Steve Knight praised his team’s resilience. “Basketball is a funny game. Momentum is so important and we had it for most of the first half, but Xavier turned the tables in the second,” he said. “We made awesome plays down the stretch, never gave up, and Troy hit the big three to give us the lead. I’m really proud of our guys for stepping up and making the plays we needed to pull out the win. That ending was not good for the faint at heart!”
The Crusaders jumped out to an early lead, forcing turnovers and converting them into points. Jamar Jenkins sparked the offense with two early three-pointers, helping Carey build a 17–5 advantage five minutes into the game. William Carey extended its lead to 25–10 with six straight points from Randarius Hughes. Xavier responded with an 11–0 run to close the gap.
Carey regained control before halftime, pushing the lead to 41–25 on a three-pointer from Malik Franklin. Xavier trimmed the deficit, ending the first half on a 15–6 run to make it 47–40. The Gold Rush carried that momentum into the second half, tying the game at 51–51 with 14 minutes left after a three from Kerel Dean.
The teams traded baskets, with Xavier maintaining a lead until a three from Franklin with 11 minutes remaining. Carey kept fighting, and with just over a minute remaining, Jenkins made a layup to cut the deficit to four. Xavier’s free throws allowed Carey to get within two, and Anthony Robinson scored back-to-back layups to make it 87–85 with 38 seconds left.
Carey’s defense forced a turnover, setting up the final play. Robinson’s missed jumper was rebounded by Xavier, but Carey regained possession after a scramble. Dunn then hit the game-winning three with 16 seconds remaining, giving the Crusaders an 88–87 lead. Xavier’s last shot rimmed out, sealing the victory.
William Carey advances to the second round to face No. 18 University of the Cumberlands on Saturday, March 14, at 3 p.m. CST at the O. Wayne Rollins Center.
