SHREVEPORT, La. - There is just something about double overtime in the Gold Dome for Gents basketball.
Back on December 1 against Johnson and Wales, the Gents trailed for most of the game before pulling away in the second overtime for the victory. After trailing for most of the game Saturday night, February 3, including an 11-point, halftime deficit, the Maroon and White managed to keep the game alive into the second overtime before pulling away from the Tigers as Centenary (13-8, 7-4 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference) swept the season series with Colorado College (10-12, 5-6 SCAC) thanks to an 87-79, double overtime win.
In his final home game in the Gold Dome, senior Travion Kirkendoll made sure to put on a show for the home crowd. He made a layup at the end of the first overtime to tie the game and scored nine in the second overtime - including a crucial three-pointer and an electrifying windmill dunk. He finished with a game-high 31 points.
Centenary trailed by as much as 13 in the game, 11 points at halftime, and 50-40 with 11:44 left. Down 52-43, a quick seven points brought the Gents within a possession. Junior Kaharri Carter made a layup, freshman Raylon Hardy made a fastbreak hoop off a steal, and senior Dyllon Weaver hit a three.
Later down 62-56, eight unanswered gave Centenary its first lead since the opening minutes of the first half. After four-straight free throws, Carter tied the game after a Tigers turnover. Centenary managed only 10 turnovers to the Tigers 25 and a 32-8 edge in points off miscues.
Carter finished the game off the bench with 18 points.
Both teams made a pair of free throws as regulation ended knotted at 64.
With Colorado College up 73-71 in the second overtime, junior Treylan Matthews picked an opportune time for his first points, strongly grabbing an offensive board and hitting the layup while being fouled. He hit the ensuing free throw, and Centenary never trailed the rest of the way.
Matthews scored 17 in the second OT alone.
Bobby Roth led Colorado College with 19 points, while Eric Houska scored 18 points and tallied seven assists. However, he turned the ball over nine times.
Centenary returns to action next weekend when it makes its final road trip to deep Texas. The Gents take on Texas Lutheran Friday, February 9, at 5:30 p.m.
