COLUMBIA, Ky. — Carolina University men's basketball mounted a strong second-half comeback but fell to host Lindsey Wilson, 82–70, on Saturday in the second day of the Brady Button Memorial Classic at Biggers Sports Center.
The Bruins outscored Lindsey Wilson 44–34 after halftime and trimmed a 22-point deficit to seven late in the contest. Carolina moved to 1–2 on the season, while the hosts improved to 3–0.
DJ Evans and Nate Lewis led Carolina with 16 points apiece. DJ Evans recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds and added a game-high seven assists, while Nate Lewis connected on four of his eight attempts from beyond the arc. Israel Griffin contributed 13 points and six rebounds, and Noah Jones provided 10 points and three steals off the bench. Will Dixion finished with nine points, while Jaylen Wilkerson added six points and four assists.
Carolina struggled to find its offensive rhythm in the opening half, shooting 30 percent from the field. Lindsey Wilson shot 60 percent and knocked down seven three-pointers to build a 48–26 halftime advantage.
The Bruins responded with a more efficient offensive effort following the break, shooting 56.7 percent from the floor and making seven three-pointers. Trailing 57–35, Carolina put together a 12–0 run, capped by a Will Dixion three-pointer with 11:13 remaining, to pull within 10.
Carolina continued to apply pressure throughout the closing minutes. A Jaylen Wilkerson layup brought the Bruins within 75–68 with 2:41 to play, but Lindsey Wilson answered with seven consecutive points to secure the victory.
"Our response in the second half showed the fight this group has, but we have to bring that same focus and execution from the opening tip," Head Coach Jacob Heck said. "We moved the ball better and gave ourselves opportunities to get back in the game. Now we have to build on those stretches and put together a complete 40 minutes as we prepare for another strong opponent on Wednesday."
The Bruins finished 26-of-60 from the field and 9-of-26 from three-point range. Daniel Zatsepin led Lindsey Wilson with 21 points, followed by Shamir Taylor with 19 and Esteban Oliveras with 16.
Carolina returns home Wednesday, November 4, to host Life University, which is receiving votes in the NAIA national poll. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
