JEFFERSON CITY, TENN — Carson-Newman's John Zhao and Bryant Thomas garnered some ferocity in the final two minutes of the game to end a neck-and-neck battle and catapult the Eagles past the Cavaliers in an 81-77 win in Holt Fieldhouse on Saturday, Dec. 10.

At the 1:26 mark of the second, a three-pointer from Zhao gave Carson-Newman (7-2, 2-0 SAC) their first lead since the eighth minute of the half. Soon after, Thomas drove into the hoop and was granted the and-one to get ahead five points with 27 seconds to go.

Cavalier Luke Lawson mustered up a tough three-pointer for UVA Wise (6-3, 0-2 SAC) in response with 20 seconds to go before a team timeout. A late foul would send Eagles' Zhao to the line, sinking both and claiming the five-point margin victory.

The Eagles took advantage under the bucket putting up 40 points in the paint compared to UVA Wise's 20.

Six Carson-Newman players finished in double-digit scoring, with Luke Brenegan leading the flock with 16.

Five Cavaliers snagged double-digits with Lawson matching a career-high 19 points and adding a career-high seven assists. Bradley Dean put up four three-pointers and ended the night with 17, while Calen Lightford and Rron Ukaj each scored 13. Ben Bryson threw in 10 of his own, including three three-point buckets.

Up next, the Cavaliers face the Limestone Saints back in the Prior Center for Kids Day on Thursday, Dec. 15 with a noon tipoff.