SHREVEPORT-The Centenary men's basketball team out scored Southern Utah in the second half, but a solid opening half by the Thunderbirds propelled them to an 88-75 win over the Gents on Saturday evening in the Gold Dome.
The Gents (0-19, 0-8 Summit) faced Southern Utah (5-12, 2-5 Summit), who shot an impressive 58 percent on the night and made 29 free throws.
Centenary was led in scoring by junior Maxx Nakwaasah with 22 points, his second straight 20+ game. The forward made 8-of-10 from the charity stripe and was 7-of-17 from the field.
Following Nakwaasah in scoring for Centenary was sophomore Jeron Trotman with 16 points and freshmen Aaron Harwell and Jonathan Blount with nine each.
Southern Utah gained the early edge in the game, going up by as many as 11 (15-4) with 13:52 to play. Centenary would battle its way back with an 8-0 run including six points from Blount to make it a two-point game (15-13).
The Thunderbirds would continue to dominate on the boards and forced the Gents into early foul trouble. Southern Utah fired off 19 made field goals in the first half to gain a 14-point lead (46-32) into the second half.
A shift in momentum from the Gents began near the 12-minute mark in the second half as Centenary was down by 12 (65-53). Harwell shined as the guard, connecting on back-to-back lay ups, while freshman Logan Lowery was solid from the free throw line with two makes, narrowing the score to 10 (65-55).
The score remained within reach for the Gents, including five points by Nakwaasah alone to spark a 7-2 run, making it an eight-point game (79-71) with two minutes left.
Though, late fouls were called and Southern Utah showcased its strength at the line, making eight of its last 10 attempts to wrap up the game on top.
Centenary shot 42 percent (24-57) from the floor, but was only 1-of-11 for nine percent from behind the three-point line. The Gents made 26 free throws in 37 attempts for 70 percent.
Southern Utah was led by Kyle Davis' double-double of 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Ryan Brimley added 18 in the effort.
The Gents were out rebounded 41 to 22. Centenary was led on the boards by Nakwaasah with five and Trotman with four.
Harwell finished with a game-best five steals.
Centenary will be back in action on Wednesday when it travels to Louisiana-Lafayette for a 7:05 pm, non-conference contest in Lafayette, La.
