Sawyer Williams Postgame interview

NEWBERRY, S.C. – Carson-Newman (19-6, 16-6) held Newberry (18-8, 14-8) 12 minutes without a field goal in the second half while the Eagles stormed out on a 22-4 run to put the Wolves down 92-78. 

The Eagles have won four straight against Newberry and secure themselves a share of second place in the South Atlantic Conference standings.

The Eagles held Newberry to 29 percent shooting in the second half including just three-for-20 from deep.  The Wolves shot 35.9 percent from the field for the game – tied for their season low.  The 78 points are the second fewest the Wolves put in this season. 

"At the half, I realized we had to control Cole Birchfield while still keeping Dondray Walker in check," C-N head coach Chuck Benson said. "We made an emphasis on rebounding and not getting them second chance opportunities.  That allowed us to have that 12-minute field goal free deal."

Carson-Newman took and made the most free throws of the Chuck Benson era. The Eagles hit 41 of their 50 free throws.  The made free throws are 12 away from the South Atlantic Conference record. 

Sawyer Williams (Owenton, Ky.) set a new career high with 27 points on 10-for-13 shooting.  Williams is averaging 15 points over the Eagles last five games.  He also turned in a career high with 10 boards.  The double-double is the Eagles third of the season. 

"His confidence is just growing and growing and growing," Benson said. "Maybe the greatest surprise is that he goes seven-for-eight from the free throw line. We're happy for him and we think tonight is just glimpse of the future."

Ish Sanders (Cleveland, Tenn.) added 21 points while Jared Johnson (Springfield, Mass.) and Carson Brooks (Knoxville, Tenn.) contributed 15 and 11 points respectively. 

Antoine Davis (Rustburg, Va.) was held under double figure scoring for a second game in a row.  That's the first time he's been held under 10 points in back-to-back games in his career. 

The Eagles pounded the ball inside, scoring 46 points in the paint.  Only two of C-N's made field goals came from outside the lane.

"This is a huge game and a huge win for us," Benson said. "This helps re-stabilize us in the Southeast region.  That's a big win over the number nine team in the region, especially coming off a loss to the number two team in LMU."

The Eagles have a home first round South Atlantic Conference game Wednesday.  The Eagles seed and opponent is dependent on the outcome of Anderson's game at Queens.  The game will be available on the Eagle Sports Network on 106.3 ESPN Radio The Zone (WPFT-FM, Sevierville) and online at cneagles.com/live. 

-CN-