#MustangsWin! Strong Bench and Defense Lead CBC Past CRC!

Erik Holth, CBC Sports Information Director

            Paragould, Ark. – Looking for their first road win in American Midwest Conference play, Central Baptist College men's basketball took on the Crowley's Ridge Pioneers tonight at the Carter Activities Center. CBC (6-11, 3-2 AMC) used strong defense and an outstanding effort from the bench to beat CRC (8-10, 1-3 AMC) 66-56.

            Devon Jefferson led the way off the bench with 12 points and nine rebounds while Jason Hunt was the only starter in double figures with 10 points. Coach Cody Henson said after the game: "Devon seized his opportunity and came in and gave us a huge lift with 12 and nine. That's all we preach is about seizing opportunities in life and he did just that. Jackson Rogers and Keshun Brown also came in and provided a much needed defensive presence. Great group effort tonight!"

            The Mustangs held the Pioneers to 35 percent shooting from the field and scored 16 points off of 14 CRC turnovers. The game saw four ties and four lead changes, all the first half.

GAME FLOW

            The first 17:18 of regulation mostly saw the game tied or the lead changing hands. A three from Jefferson with 2:33 left in the first half gave CBC a lead they would never relinquish, as they led 35-31 at the break. CBC never let CRC get closer than 35-32 the rest of the game, answering nearly every basket or free throw the Pioneers made for their first conference road win of the season.

MUSTANG NOTES

• CBC is now 21-2 all-time against CRC and have won the last 10 straight
• The Mustangs improved to 4-1 when leading at halftime
• Jefferson's point and rebounding totals were both career highs in a season-high 25 minutes for him

UP NEXT

            CBC plays in front of a home crowd for the first time in 2026 on Saturday when they welcome #22 Columbia into A.R. Reddin Fieldhouse for homecoming. Tipoff for the men's game will be 25 minutes after the crowning of the homecoming queen.