COLUMBIA, S.C. --- Sophomore guard Marc Raye Jr. had a career-best performance Saturday afternoon to lead Allen University men's basketball to their first win of the 2024-2025 season over Eckerd College, 69-62. 

Raye Jr. finished the afternoon with a career-high 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including three made shots from the perimeter. 

A first half that had four lead changes and four ties saw the Yellow Jackets take a 25-24 lead into the locker rooms, as Raye made a short-range shot in the final seconds to give Allen the midway advantage. A key difference in the second half saw Allen find their offensive rhythm beyond the arc. After going 0-for-5 in the first half from three-point range, Allen bounced-back by shooting 5-for-12 (41%) from deep over the final 20 minutes of action. Their production from the outside led to Allen outscoring Eckerd in the second-half, 44-38, to secure the win. 

Joining Raye Jr. as Allen's top performers included Peyton Weathersby with nine points, and both Demetri Patterson and Baker Beal who each finished with eight points. 

The Yellow Jackets continue their season-opening five-game home stand Thursday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m. with an exhibition contest against South Carolina Central Christian.