Preview of NAIA Men’s Basketball: William Carey at Dillard

NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — A surging William Carey squad looks to continue its dominant start when it visits Dillard in a NAIA men’s basketball matchup on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

The Crusaders (11-1) have won five straight games, including a 91-71 victory over Talladega on Saturday. Their lone loss came against Loyola (La.) on Nov. 22. The Bleu Devils (5-4) have been idle since a 77-67 road loss to Southern University at New Orleans on Dec. 9.

William Carey, boasting one of the nation’s top records, is led by versatile guard Makeem Roberts. In his last three games, Roberts has averaged 9.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 7.7 assists, nearly posting a triple-double in a win over SUNO on Dec. 18. In the win over Talladega, Jamar Jenkins added 20 points off the bench.

Dillard will counter with forward John Kelly III, who recorded a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds in the team’s last outing. Charles Hervey also pulled down 10 rebounds in that contest.

This game is a quick rematch of a thrilling season opener for both teams. On Nov. 4, William Carey needed overtime to defeat Dillard 91-85 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The Crusaders have not lost since November, while the Bleu Devils have gone 4-3 following that narrow defeat.

William Carey’s high-powered offense has scored 91 or more points in four of its last five games. Dillard, which has played a more sporadic schedule recently, will need to contain that tempo to improve to .500 in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference play.

The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. CST at Dillard’s Dent Hall. William Carey visits Faulkner (Ala.) on Thursday, while Dillard travels to face Tougaloo (Miss.) on the same night.