CHANDLER, Ariz. - The Carroll Men's Basketball team picked up a much-needed win heading into a short Christmas break on Tuesday, holding off MidAmerica Nazarene, 76-75, in their final game of the 2023 Cactus Classic.

The Fighting Saints (5-7) needed every bit of the full 40 minutes to get it done, but managed to hold off the Pioneers (8-4) in a nail-biter in the desert.

It was clear from the get-go that neither team would waltz to a victory on Tuesday. A true back-and-forth affair saw the pair of teams exchange the lead a total of 10 times on the afternoon, with the largest lead of the game by either team being just nine points. 

Carroll saw their largest lead near the midway point of the opening half, with a fastbreak layup giving them an 18-9 advantage.

Kendall Moore (Dayton, Ohio / JR) continued his stellar play over the past week. The transfer point guard put up 13 first half points, and grabbed three steals to help keep things close at the break.

A late jumper by Andrew Cook (Huntington Beach, Calif. / JR) would put the Saints ahead by one at the half, 37-36.

Cook and the Pioneers' Anthony Brown would go toe-to-toe in an exciting second half. Cook added 13 of his team-high 21 points, while Brown poured in 15 second half points for MNU.

MidAmerica Nazarene came out of the half strong, eventually growing their largest lead near the first media timeout, and the Saints would have to respond.

With just under two minutes remaining, Mekhi Elmore gave the Pioneers a two point lead. Following immediately, a Carroll turnover gave the ball right back to MNU.

Kendall Moore made a terrific play on the ensuing possession, securing his sixth steal of the afternoon and racing the length of the court to even the score at 73-73.

Andrew Cook followed that up with a steal of his own, and connected with James Lang (Portland, Ore. / R-SO) in transition who would convert an and-one opportunity to put Carroll on top by three with under a minute left in the game.

The Pioneers would score once more, but saw a half court heave fall short as time expired and Carroll would escape with the one point win, 76-75.

Andrew Cook led all players with 21 points, also pulling down five rebounds with four assists.

Kendall Moore scored 17, and nabbed a game-high six steals.

Derek Kramer (Bellevue, Wash. / SO) had an impressive day off the bench, finishing with eight points, nine rebounds, and a blocked shot in his 19 minutes of action.

The Saints finished the game 28-58 from the floor (48.3 percent), and out-rebounded the Pioneers 35-33.

Anthony Brown scored 20 to lead the Pioneers, with Caleb Jones-McCrary and Ed Wright each adding 15 points.

A couple of days off to enjoy the Holiday with family is in store for the Saints before they return to the PE Center for a 7:30 p.m. matchup with Lakeland University on December 29.

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