JEFFERSON CITY, TENN. – Anderson University men's basketball (8-0, 3-0 SAC) battled it out on the court to notch their eighth-straight win in a 94-80 victory over conference opponent Carson-Newman (6-2, 2-1 SAC).
 
"So proud of our team. We talked about energy and belief going into today." said head coach Jimmie Williams.
 
The Trojans took their first lead of the game with a 12-0 run after being down 3-0 to start the contest. The Eagles found their rhythm offensively to make the score 47-43 as they finalized the opening half. After an 11-0 run by Carson-Newman to take the lead after the break, Anderson answered with a 14-point run to regain a double-digit lead before recording their largest lead of 15 with two minutes left in the game.
 
"Every time they went on a run, we rebounded. I have major respect for Jack Browder. He's one of the best players in the country. I love when guys bloom where they are planted. After the year he had last year, he could have easily left to transfer up. That's the sign of a great program and great staff." added Williams.
 
Leading the team for the Trojans was junior Osmar Garcia-Araujo (Sugar Hill, Ga.) notching two career-highs with 34 points and 12 rebounds for his second double-double of the season, while also going 8-for-10 from the line and tallying four on the court in blocks and assists.
 
"Osmar was amazing tonight. The way they defend, we knew he was going to be a major target for us tonight. He has a great week of practice leading up to today and attacked the spots we notified in the scout."
 
Also scoring double digits for the Black and Gold was freshman Rashawn Inglemon (Sacramento, Calif.) and senior Malachi Reeves (Lexington, S.C.) tallying 14 and 10 points on the court. Reeves recorded seven rebounds with Inglemon adding four to the team's total of 43 on the game. Junior AJ Wright Jr. (Clearwater, Fla.) helped contribute both offensively and defensively to the Trojan victory, tallying nine points, five rebounds, and two assists.
 
AU was dominant in almost all statistical categories with 52 points in the paint to Carson-Newman's 34 while also shooting 50.7% from the field and 39.1% from behind the arc.
 
"All of our guys played with such heart and determination today. Now the bus is headed to Buc-ee's to celebrate. Love this team."
 
The Black and Gold continue their two-game road series when they travel to Newberry on Wednesday, Dec. 17 for another South Atlantic Conference matchup. Tipoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.