Sophomores Jay Randall and Kaden Bates each surpassed their career highs in points, as Randall scored 29 as part of a double-double, and Bates poured in 17, as the University of Mary Washington men's basketball team defeated Wilson College, 78-66, on Tuesday evening at Ron Rosner Arena. The Eagles even their record at 4-4 on the season.

UMW built an early 6-2 lead, keyed by a three pointer from sophomore Jaden Burgess, before the Phoenix answered with five straight to take a 7-6 lead with 13:49 left in the first half. The Eagles responded with six straight of their own, including a three pointer from freshman Jose Fudd, and led, 12-7, with 11:54 to go.

The lead went back and forth between two and four over the next few minutes, before Wilson knotted the score at 16-16 with 7:47 left. The Eagles led by five points from freshman Kye Robinson, scored seven straight, and used a last-second jumper from Bates to take a 33-28 lead to halftime.

In the second, UMW built an 11-point advantage, thanks to free throws from Robinson, a three pointer from senior Zack Blue, and a Randall basket. Wilson responded with a 13-0 run over the next three minutes, and the score again stood tied at 47 with 12:02 remaining. But a pair of free throws from Bates and a basket from Randall gave UMW a four point lead - one they wouldn't again relinquish down the stretch.

Randall shot 10-13 from the floor and 9-13 from the free throw line en route to a career-high 29 points, and also grabbed nine rebounds. Bates shot 7-10 from the field and 3-4 from the charity stripe for his 17 points. Blue also reached double figures with 10 points.

The Eagles shot 51.9% from the floor (27-52), making 5-20 three point attempts and 19-28 free throws. Wilson shot 44% (22-50), making 10-25 three point tries and 12-17 free throws. The Phoenix held a 29-28 edge in rebounds.

UMW will return to action on Thursday evening as the Eagles host Averett University at 5:00 p.m.