Derek Staton scored 19 points in the final 7:39, and Craig Hayes added 34 points to lead Mount Olive to an 88-78 Conference Carolinas men's basketball victory over Limestone Saturday night at Gaffney, S.C. With the victory, the Trojans have now won three consecutive games in conference play.

Mount Olive never trailed after an early 12-2 run highlighted by two jumpers by Staton and a three-pointer from Ewon Wright gave the visitors a 19-9 advantage. The Trojans was never able to pull away, however. Several times in the second half the Saints pulled within a point.

Staton's offensive explosion began after Limestone pulled within 54-53 with 10:53 left. Staton, who finished with a season-high 31 points, hit the first of five three-pointers down the stretch, as the Trojans fought off one comeback attempt after another. Staton's three-pointer with 2:29 left delivered a huge blow after Dory Hines blocked a Limestone lay-up attempt that would have made it a one-possession game.

Staton and Hayes delivered five free throws in the waning moments to put the game away.

Hayes finished with a game-high 34 points, one shy of his career best set January 3 against Coker. Hayes' presence inside helped Mount Olive claim 13 offensive rebounds. Hayes scored the Trojans' first 11 points of the second half.

The last time Mount Olive had two players with at least 30 points came February 9, 2009 against Pfeiffer. Hayes (30 points) was joined by Kendrick Easley (39) in that contest.

The Trojans return to action Wednesday when Queens University comes to Kornegay Arena. The women's contest will begin at 5:30 p.m. The men will follow at 7:30 p.m.