The Crusaders stormed back from a ten-point second half deficit to defeat Dillard University 91-85 in overtime Tuesday night at Clinton Gym.
Randarius Hughes opened the scoring for WCU and Jamar Jenkins followed with four straight points to put Carey up 7-0 after two minutes of play. Over the next minute, a three pointer by Javeon Gordon made it 10-2 Crusaders but back-to-back threes by Dillard followed to cut the deficit to two.
After a little break in the offensive action, the Bleu Devils used a 10-1 run over a six-minute stretch to take an 18-11 lead. Carey broke the run on a pair of free throws followed by three pointers from Gordon and Jenkins to retake the lead at 19-18 midway through the half.
Over the next few minutes, both teams went back and forth until a three pointer by Tyler Wiley for Dillard put the Bleu Devils ahead. From there DU extended their lead to 38-28 with three to play. The Crusaders fought their way back in cllosing minutes of the half. WCU put up nine points while the defense held Dillard to just two to head into halftime down 40-37.
Less than two minutes into the second half the Crusaders tied the game on a three pointer by Gordon. The Bleu Devils quickly retook the lead, pulling away to a 60-50 advantage after six minutes.
Carey managed to trim the deficit to 61-58 but Dillard answered, pushing their lead to 70-61 with eight to play. The Crusaders stayed the course and stayed within striking distance. Carey got within five points on multiple occasions until a jumper by Arzika Seibou made it 75-72 Dillard with three minutes remaining.
With just over a minute left on the clock, Anthony Robinson for Carey poked the ball away and dove for the loose ball. Then, from the floor, found Makeem Roberts racing ahead from the top of the key for an easy layup to tie the game at 77.
Dillard retook the lead on a layup by Ben Fort. After a pair of missed free throws by WCU and a missed three pointer by Dillard, a couple of free throws by Robinson tied the game at 79 with 15 seconds left.
Another missed three pointer by the Bleu Devils left six seconds on the clock for Carey to respond. Robinson drove the ball up the court for Carey. After crossing half court, he tried to find Gordon in the corner, but the pass bounced off Gordons hands giving Dillard one last attempt. DU inbounded the ball and quickly sent the ball the length of the court, but Hughes intercepted the pass to force overtime.
In overtime, the battle continued with the Crusaders taking the lead and Dillard answering. That was until a pair of free throws by Hughes had Carey up 87-83 with just over a minute remaining. That was the momentum Carey needed as the defense took over from there, limiting Dillard to a pair of free throws in the final minutes to see out the victory.
Jenkins led five Crusaders in double figures with 22 points while Hughes added 14 points and nine rebounds. Gordon finished with 12 points with Roberts and Troy Dunn chipping in 11 and 10 points respectively.
Carey is back in action Thursday, November 6, as they head to New Orleans, La. to take on Southern University at New Orleans. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm.
