MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University men's basketball team continued right where they left off in 2022, earning another win and besting the Crusaders from William Carey 86-83 Thursday evening. 

Life University (12-2, 5-2 SSAC) was led by freshman Joshua Ward and sophomore Dara Olonade, who combined for 33 points. Four Running Eagle starters recorded double-digits as stellar ball movement and unselfish play led to 22 assists in the win. 

To begin the game, William Carey led for the majority of the first ten minutes but failed to create any separation as the Running Eagles tied the game four different times before ultimately claiming a 19-18 lead and never turning back. 

Headed to the break, Life University led 39-34. 

Second half action saw highlight plays from both teams, with stellar athleticism and acrobatic dunks opening the game wide open for the Running Eagles. 

With just over eleven minutes to play, Life U. earned its largest lead of the ballgame after a Joshua Ward layup, 65-49. After that, the Crusaders would chip the lead down to six before the Running Eagles emphatically responded with a 6-0 run capped by a 360-dunk from Mohamed Elgohary. 

After pushing the lead ahead to 12 (72-64), the Crusaders went on one final run to end the game, cutting the lead down to a single possession 86-83 with a final Crusader 3-ptr. expiring the contest, 86-83. 

Overall, the Running Eagles held a slight advantage shooting 50% from the field and 35% from behind the arc. Bench production (27-16), second chance points (14-8) and points of turnovers (19-13) all favored Life U. in the win. 

Up next, the men will host Blue Mountain College on Saturday, Jan. 7th. Tipoff in the Eagles' Nest is set for 2 PM.