ANDERSON, S.C. -- Barton watched a 21-point lead melt to seven points in a seven-minute span in the second half but managed to hang on for a 79-71 victory over Anderson University in a Conference Carolinas game Saturday night at the Abney Center. Barton, the defending NCAA Division II national champions, led 42-27 at the half and then built its lead to 21 points in the first nine minutes of the second half. But Anderson used a 15-3 run to cut the Barton lead to 65-56 with 7:56 remaining. Stephen Cobb scored six points during the run and Brandon Young capped it with a 3-point basket. In the final six minutes, Anderson got within seven six times and got as close as six points - 74-68 - with 1:50 remaining. Barton, 12-6 overall and 8-3 in the conference, was led by Errol Frails with 18 points. He was followed by L.J. Dunn with 16 points, Bobby Buffaloe with 14, and Brian Leggett with 10. Anderson, 6-11 and 4-6, was led by Young with a game-high 25 points. Kevis Cornwell tallied 19 and Stephen Cobb chipped in 13 for the Trojans. Barton shot 46 percent from the field while limiting Anderson to 37 percent. Barton won the boards, 42-36. Leggett and Cobb tied for game-high honors with nine rebounds apiece. Barton was 10-for-25 from behind the arc and outscored Anderson by 18 points from behind the arc. The Bulldog bench outscored the Trojan bench, 21-6. Anderson held an eight-point advantage at the free throw line. Anderson was 21-for-25 at the stripe. Barton's Greg Mammel finished the game with eight assists. Anderson's next action is Monday at home against Coker. Tip-off is at 5:30 p.m. Box: Barton 79, Anderson 71 Anderson University Men's Basketball Statistics