Faulkner University

MARIETTA, Ga. -- Beating ranked opponents is becoming old hat for No. 23 Faulkner.

On Saturday, the Eagles knocked off No. 12 Southern Poly, 74-56.

It was third time this season Faulkner has beaten a ranked foe, having earlier defeated No. 24 Mobile and No. 4 Mountain State.

This time, Richarde McCray led the way with a 19-point, six-rebound effort.Jon Uriarte added 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds for Faulkner (7-0, 3-0 Southern States Athletic Conference). Jammie Evans had 10 points.

Darnell Richardson scored 13 points to lead Southern Poly (7-1, 0-1).

The Hornets jumped out to an early 7-2 lead before Faulkner rattled off eight straight points to take a lead it never relinquished.

But that's not to say things didn't get interesting.

The Eagles took a 46-29 lead into the lockerroom at halftime, but Southern Poly started the second half with a 15-4 run to close the gap. Faulkner eventually built back its advantage and took its largest lead of the game (73-50) with 2:33 to play.

Fighting off Southern Poly's furious second-half rally was encouraging for Faulkner coach Jim Sanderson.

"Our guys never lost their composure," Sanderson said. "That team is good and we knew they'd make a run at us. That was a real good road test for this basketball team."

Faulkner plays Monday night at William Carey in Hattiesburg, Miss., then on Thursday Faulkner hosts cross-town rival AUM.