Withering second-half defense powers C-N to 20th win
February 19, 2025

Withering second-half defense powers C-N to 20th win

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman (20-8, 15-7 South Atlantic Conference) held Emory & Henry (6-20, 4-18 SAC) to 3-of-15 shooting for the final 10 minutes of the game as C-N cruised to a 91-73 win Wednesday night in Holt Fieldhouse. 

VIDEO: Chuck Benson Interview

VIDEO: Highlights

VIDEO: Tate Mulkey Interview

VIDEO: Camden McElhaney Interview

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman (20-8, 15-7 South Atlantic Conference) held Emory & Henry (6-20, 4-18 SAC) to 3-of-15 shooting for the final 10 minutes of the game as C-N cruised to a 91-73 win Wednesday night in Holt Fieldhouse. 

The victory gives C-N back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time in 22 years.  The Eagles have won 20 games or more in three of the last four years. 

C-N's path to the 20th win came from limiting E&H to 30.6 percent shooting from the field after halftime. 

"I was really pleased with our defense in the second half," head coach Chuck Benson said. "Give Emory & Henry some credit, they had a really nice 14-point run for a three-minute stretch there. All in all, I thought our defense turned it up after halftime.  That was winning defense that we saw in the second half." 

The second half did come in sandwich form.  The Wasps made two of their first 12 shots from the field while C-N went on a 12-0 run to turn a seven-point halftime lead into a 16-point advantage three minutes into the period after a layup and a step-back three from Trey Hubbard (Charlotte, N.C.).  The five straight points from the senior point guard had C-N in front 60-44. 

E&H did get frisky from the field.  The Wasps made six straight shots to cut the deficit down to eight with 10:46 to go, 71-63, off of Omari Curley's sixth three of the game. 

Curley was noteworthy for his three-point marksmanship.  He had hit 14 threes all year at a 25.9 percent clip.  He walked into Holt and connected on his first six shots from deep en route to a career-high 20 points.  He finished 6-of-8 from long range. 

"Typically water finds level," Benson said. "However, when he got the sixth one, I said forget that and tried to do something about it.  They were a team who came in here with nothing to lose. They were playing free and easy.  We don't defend the three-point line well at all, and they exploited us from that." 

However, after Curley's final make, the Wasps would go cold.  E&H only made three more shots the rest of the game as C-N stretched the lead to as large as 21 late. 

C-N got prolific performances from role players Camden McElhaney (Sevierville, Tenn.) and Tate Mulkey (Charlotte, N.C.). 

McElhaney started a second straight game in place of the injured John Zhao (Sevierville, Tenn.) and proceeded to register his first career double-digit rebound day.  He finished with 10 boards, including three on the offensive glass. 

"I said to Mac in the pregame that I needed him to get 10 rebounds," Benson said. "That's literally what he did.  He was so solid for us defensively too.  I'm never surprised when he does the dirty work." 

Meanwhile, Mulkey came off the bench and scored 11 for the Coker transfers second double-digit scoring effort as an Eagle.  He was 2-for-4 from beyond the arc. 

"We brought Tate in to bring depth and security to us," Benson said. "He hasn't had a ton of opportunities to play, but that's not because he's not capable.  When John went down with the injury, it put Tate in a situation where he's gonna play big minutes.  He stepped up today and shot it.  I wish we were in a situation where we had 300 minutes to divide up instead of 200, so a guy like Tate Mulkey could be on display more.  I have to praise the fact that he has stayed ready and accepted a unique role on this team. It's a great testament to who he is, and the person he is." 

Mulkey was one of five double-digit scorers for C-N. 

Hubbard led all scorers with 21 points.  He was 7-of-13 from the field and 2-for-4 from beyond the arc.  He also made all five of his free throws. 

"Trey did what he does," Benson said. "That ball is alive and moving with him.  Today was an example of that.  He is such a dynamic athlete that every possession he could come down and get to the rim. His decision making when he creates rotation is so dangerous.  I'm so enjoying where he is and what he does for our team. There's no doubt in my mind that his is the most valuable point guard in this conference."

Hubbard paced C-N with a season-high nine assists.  Carson-Newman dolled out 25 assists on 36 made baskets, second-most in a game this season. 

Brenegan followed with 19 points. He was 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, connecting on his 80th three of the season. It's the 12th 80-three season in school history.  Brenegan joins Ish Sanders, Malik Abraham and Charles Clark as the only players in school history with a pair of 80-three campaigns. 

"If I had a way to coach Nick Brenegan for the remainder of my career, I would do it," Benson said. "He's been one of the all-time joys to coach. I will enjoy every practice with him and this group.  This crew makes a long college basketball season short because of how he and they approach things, and their care for each other and us as coaches." 

Brenegan also moved into the top-25 in school history for scoring and now sits on 1,301 career points. 

Jack Browder (Kingsport, Tenn.) tallied his 22nd career double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.  He was 6-of-9 from the field and 3-of-5 from three.  Braden Ilic (Morristown, Tenn.) finished with 15 points and five assists. 

Aside from Curley's 20, E&H had two other double-digit scorers. 

Jalen Leftwich had 20 points.  He was 6-of-11 from the field.  Korbin Dixon added in 13, albeit on 6-of-20 shooting. 

Carson-Newman shot 62.1 percent from the field and made 11-of-22 threes. The Eagles have shot 50 percent or better from beyond the arc against the Wasps in all six of the schools' meetings since E&H joined the league.  C-N is a perfect 19-0 against E&H all-time, with all but one of the 19 wins coming by double digits. 

The 62.1 percent shooting night was C-N's fifth game of the season shooting 60 percent or better. 

C-N outscored just its third foe in points off turnovers this year, owning a 15-13 edge in that category.  The Eagles enjoyed a 17-4 advantage in points on the break. 

The Eagles dominated inside, with a 46-32 advantage in the paint. 

C-N is off Saturday before returning to the floor on Feb. 26 at Lincoln Memorial. Tipoff from Tex Turner Arena is set for 7:30 p.m. Coverage on the Eagle Sports Network begins at 7:15 with the AEC Countdown to Tipoff on Mix 105.5 (WSEV-FM, Sevierville) and online at cneagles.com/live.

Highlights Game Notes Photos Audio Video Live stats Box Score Box Score (PDF) Preview