by Taylor Hodges

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Despite shooting 55 percent from the field, the No. 11 Eagles (13-4, 5-2 SSAC) lost 82-80 to No. 24 William Carey University on Saturday afternoon at Tine Davis Gymnasium.

There was an urgent feel to the game from the very start. Neither team could really escape the other throughout the matchup. Faulkner went up by as many as 12 in the first half, but the Crusaders were able to fight there way back, and even take a quick lead with about six minutes left.

The Eagles were able to regain the lead and take a four-point advantage into the break.

Faulkner came out hot and extended its lead to nine points less than three minutes into the second half.

They would keep a steady lead throughout the period until late in the half when William Carey went on a 7-0 run to get within three with three and a half minutes remaining.

The Crusaders would go up by four points with only 18 seconds remaining until Marquis Grays was fouled while shooting a 3-pointer.

Grays would knock down all three free throws to bring the Eagles within one. With seven seconds remaining, Quinton Williams made his first of two free throw attempts to go up by two, but would miss the second.

Rene Scott drove the ball down the floor, and was blocked with under one second remaining. The Eagles attempted a tip shot to tie the game, but it was broken up by the William Carey defense, and they were able to seal the win.

Grays led Faulkner with 26 points, and he added six rebounds.

Scott finished with 15 points and five assists.

Lucas Luttrell added 14 points, followed by Logan Jozwiak with 11.

The Eagles will travel to take on the University of Mobile on Thursday. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.