Blue Mountain, Miss.- Blue Mountain Christian put together a competitive showing on Saturday afternoon inside Tyler Gym, falling 65–62 to William Carey in an SSAC matchup that stayed close from start to finish.
The Toppers opened the game with confidence, shooting well in the first quarter and moving the ball efficiently to take a 21–13 lead after ten minutes. 
Kathryn Echols sparked the early momentum, knocking down three first-quarter threes on her way to a standout performance.
 The Toppers continued to find good looks in the second quarter, stretching their lead to double digits at the 9:26 mark before the Crusaders responded with a strong shooting stretch of their own. 
At halftime, BMCU held a narrow 37–30 advantage.
Out of the break, both teams traded baskets as the pace tightened. Maddie Kirk continued her steady scoring in the lane and midrange, while Rebecca Walter and McKenzie Williams held down the boards as the Toppers worked to maintain control. 
William Carey, however, found rhythm late in the third, closing the gap to make it a one-possession game entering the final frame.
The fourth quarter featured back-and-forth play with neither side gaining much separation. Echols delivered again from deep, and the Toppers' defense forced key turnovers, but the Crusaders were able to capitalize on timely baskets down the stretch.
 Despite multiple late pushes from BMCU, William Carey held on in the final minute to secure the three-point decision.
Echols and Kirk shared the team-high with 21 points each, showcasing efficient shooting efforts. Echols finished with seven made threes and added four rebounds and three steals, while Kirk delivered 10 made field goals, four rebounds, and three assists. 
Walter anchored the paint with nine rebounds and eight points, and Williams added a near double-double of her own with 11 boards and seven points.
Isabella Carlson contributed across the stat sheet with six assists and six rebounds.
Blue Mountain Christian will look to regroup and carry the positives forward as they prepare for their next contest against Tougaloo College next Saturday.
 
 
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