MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The William Carey Men's Basketball Team opened their 2024-25 season with a come from behind victory over Cumberland (Tenn.) Friday afternoon.
"I am really proud of our players," said Head Coach Steve Knight. "They stuck with our game plan for 40 minutes and persevered after a slow start. We were able to wear them down late in the game and had great production throughout our lineup."
After trading opening baskets, Carey found themselves trailing, as the Phoenix raced out to a 20-9 advantage in the first five minutes of the half. The Crusaders kept on fighting and managed to cut the deficit to single digits on multiple occasions, but Cumberland responded each time putting their lead back to double digits, eventually taking a 41-26 lead with just over three minutes remaining in the half. However, Carey slowed the run, and the offensive gained some momentum, closing the half on a 13-4 run to cut the deficit to just six points at the break.
Cumberland came out of the break quickly pushing their lead to ten points, but WCU got five straights points off a three pointer by Cam Brown and two-point basket from Ashton Campbell to make it 49-44. From there Carey stayed within striking distance getting within three points on numerous occasions but with just under fourteen minutes to play Cumberland went on an 8-0 run to push their lead to 63-52.
However, the Crusaders countered with an 11-0 run, with Ankerion Gross converting an and one to tie the game at 63 with nine minutes remaining. After trading the next couple of points, Chad Jones drained a three-point basket with seven minutes to play to give Carey their lead of the game at 69-68. Once again both teams went back and forth with each taking turns with the lead. But with four minutes to play, a Randarius Hughes layup gave the Crusaders the lead for good at 79-78. From there WCU pulled away to complete the comeback.
"It was a very intense game that came down to the wire and just came down to who wanted it more," said Cam Brown. "The first half did not go our way, but we did not let that affect our second half play. We executed down the stretch which led us to come out on top in the end."
Cam Brown led five Crusaders in double figures with 21 points. Zandon Haralson finished with 13 points with Chad Jones adding 12 points. Javeon Gordon chipped in 11 points while Dylan Brumfield had ten points.
Carey is back in action tomorrow, as they take on Paine College at 3:00 pm in Montgomery, Ala.
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