SHREVEPORT, La. - The Gents used a furious rally to take the lead after a halftime deficit of nine, but the Pirates scored the final six points of the game as Centenary (8-5, 2-1 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference) fell to Southwestern (6-7, 2-0 SCAC) 76-71 Sunday afternoon, January 7.
The Gents trailed 67-59 with eight minutes left in the game before going on a 12-3 run to retake the lead. Junior Kaharri Carter swung a pass on the baseline across to senior Dylan Weaver in the corner for three before Carter hit a pair from the line. Sophomore Cedric Harris added a putback to pull Centenary within 67-66.
Harris led the Gents with 16 points while Carter scored 14 points and grabbed eight boards.
Trenton Garrett made a tip-in to put the visitors back up three, but another Weaver three tied the game at 69. Southwestern split from the line, but a Carter dunk gave Centenary a 71-70 lead with 2:55 left - its first lead since 8:33 left in the first (23-21).
However, the Gents failed to score the final three minutes and neither team scored over the next 1:34. Southwestern took the lead for good on a Luke Hicks three with 1:21 left. After a stop for the Pirates and a Centenary foul, Ryan Wheeler missed a three, but Brandon Alexander grabbed the rebound and got the hoop and the harm with two seconds left. He made the ensuing free throw for the final five-point margin.
Alexander led Southwestern off the bench with 17 points, while Hicks added 15 and Wheeler 11. The Pirates used a 40-35 edge on the glass and a 16-10 advantage in second-chance points for the win.
Centenary returns to action for its first SCAC road game of the season Friday, January 12, when in visits Dallas. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
