WINSTON-SALEM, NC -- The Carolina University Men's Basketball Team hosted Voorhees College on Friday, February 5th. The highly anticipated matchup did not disappoint the limited fans in attendance at Williams Gymnasium. The first half was controlled by the defense for each team. The lead changed multiple times and neither team was able to break free. With just under 6 minutes to go in the half, the score was just 19-17 in favor of the Bruins. Carolina University was able to extend the lead to a high of 6, but had to settle for a 29-26 advantage at the half. To open the second, the Bruins were again able to extend the lead to 6, but the Tigers came roaring back. The perennial NAIA contenders went on a run to retake the lead 40-38. Voorhees extended the lead to 6, but CU countered and after an Ofoegbu 3 regained the 47-46 advantage. The Tigers answered back with a 10-0 run to gain the largest lead of the game. However, the Bruins did not back down from the challenge and chipped away at the Tigers' lead. Carolina University would briefly tie at 59 and take a 1-point lead after Ofoegbu completed the and-one on a monsterous dunk. Voorhees answered right back and hung on to a narrow lead for the next few minutes. With just under a minute to go, the Bruins' defense came up with a steal that led to a Voyles 3 to take the lead 69-68. Another stop by the Bruins' defense and 2 free throws by Voyles iced the Carolina University victory, 71-68.

After the game, Coach Williams was extremely pleased with the perseverance of this group. "We have had a number of these close games so far this year and I'm so proud of this team for staying the course. We have a tremendous group of young men that have continued to buy-in to our program and get better every day. They never lost confidence in themselves and it is extremely rewarding to watch that toughness pay off tonight against a very good team." While defense led the way for the Bruins tonight, there were still some great offensive performances. Kester Ofoegbu led all scorers with 22 points including a perfect 3-3 from downtown. Dillon Voyles also nailed all 3 of his triples on his way to a CU career-high of 19 points. Voyles also shot an incredible 10-10 from the free-throw line. Andrue Aguilera was back in double-figures with 17 points. Micah Cooper led the team with 8 rebounds and 6 assists. 

Carolina University will next play in Elizabeth City, NC on Friday, February 12th when they travel to play against Mid-Atlantic Christian University. MACU won the previous meeting this season 69-64. The Bruins will look to knock-off the 6-0 Mustangs and even the season series.