CHANDLER, Ariz. - The Carroll Men's Basketball team fell in their opening matchup at the 2023 Cactus Classic, falling 95-85 to Huntington (Ind.) on Saturday afternoon.

The Fighting Saints (4-6) held a slim halftime lead. but were unable to hold off the Foresters (6-5) in the second half of their tournament-opening game.

the opening half was a game of runs, mainly in favor of the Foresters. Two separate times, Huntington managed to grow a lead to at least 11 points, the second of which coming with just under five minutes in the opening frame. Each time, however, Carroll would find a way to respond.

The Saints would end the opening 20 minutes on a 14-2 run, storming back from the dead to take a lead into halftime at 44-43.

Through the opening minutes of the second half, Carroll would expand upon their lead. Twice, the Saints would extend their lead to seven points, but  a Huntington three-pointer at the 8:30 mark would tie the game at 71-71.

After exchanging a slim lead, Huntington would, take the lead for good at the 7:20 mark, growing a lead as large as 10 over the final minutes of the game. Carroll would cut the lead to as little as six, but couldn't find a way to complete the comeback, falling short 95-85.

Kendall Moore (Dayton, Ohio / JR) led the way for the Saints, finishing with 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Gui Pedra (Sao Paolo Brazil, SR) finished with 15 points and four rebounds.

Lane Sparks was nearly unguardable, finishing with a game-high 34 points and eight rebounds for the Foresters.

Carroll will hit the court again tomorrow against No. 18 The Masters at 2:30 p.m. in their second game of the Cactus Classic.

Visit www.carrollathletics.com for a recap of that game, and to stay up to date with everything going on in Carroll Athletics.