Pippa Passes, Ky. — November 7, 2025

Carolina University Men's Basketball opened play in the Irma Stepp Memorial Classic on Friday evening, taking on Great Lakes Christian College inside the Perry Campus Center on the campus of Alice Lloyd College. Despite a strong second-half effort, the Bruins fell by a final score of 96–82.

The Bruins started slowly as the Crusaders built an early double-digit lead, taking a 56–37 advantage into the locker room at halftime. Carolina battled back in the second half, outscoring Great Lakes 45–40 after the break behind an improved defensive presence and more efficient offense.

Junior guard Shawn Woodson paced the Bruins with 30 points, connecting on 11-of-19 from the field and four three-pointers, while Cooper Smith and Zay Scott each reached double figures with 14 and 12 points, respectively. Tristan Kuska controlled the glass, tallying nine points and 11 rebounds. The Bruins dominated the boards overall, outrebounding the Crusaders 53–31, including 24 offensive rebounds.

Head Coach Jacob Heck noted the team's resilience after the slow start:

"We didn't come out with the focus we needed in the first half, and that cost us early," Heck said. "But this team has to figure out how to come together as a unit and play as a team before it is too late.

Carolina University (1–3) will be back in action on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m., taking on The Crown College on day two of the Irma Stepp Memorial Classic.