LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. -- 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.