Taylor's career highs lift Rider past Kennesw St. 81-79 (Dec 14, 2016)

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. (AP) Jimmie Taylor had 26 points and seven steals, both career highs, Norville Carey had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Rider held off Kennesaw State 81-79 Wednesday night in a Gotham Classic contest.

Kendrick Ray hit a 3 for Kennesaw State with 21 seconds left cutting the deficit to 81-79 before the Owls missed their final two shots. Kahlil Thomas' block of Ray's layup attempt with a second left preserved the win.

Johannes Nielsen's jumper with 6:16 to go put Kennesaw State up 67-63 before Rider (6-3) went on a 14-0 run. Thomas made a pair of layups and Carey added a pair, one of which led to a 3-point play, during the run.

James Scott brought the Owls to within five off a 3-point play with 1:34 to play but Jimmie Taylor countered with a 3 for the Broncs 30 seconds later.

Stevie Jordan distributed a career-high 12 assists for Rider.

Nick Masterson had 19 points for Kennesaw State (3-7) and Ray added 18 points.