Men's Hoops Unable to Sustain Early Momentum in Loss to Millsaps

SHERMAN, Texas - The Austin College men's basketball team built a double-digit lead in the first half but could not sustain the momentum, falling 69-59 to Millsaps College on Wednesday afternoon in Hughey Gym. With the loss, the 'Roos drop to 2-5 on the season, while Millsaps improves to 7-2.

Austin College controlled the early stages of the contest, using a stifling defense and active rebounding to build a 13-point advantage at 19-6 with 13:46 remaining in the first half. However, the Majors chipped away at the deficit before the break. Despite the Millsaps rally, the 'Roos went into the locker room clinging to a 31-29 halftime lead. The Majors came out of the locker room strong, scoring the first eight points of the second half to go on top 37-31. Millsaps finished the second half outscoring Austin College 40-28 in the frame. 

The 'Roos battled back and took a 51-50 lead with just over eight minutes to play, as Ethan Pearce scored, but a 7-0 run by the Majors put Millsaps back on top for good. Pearce had a strong all-around game to lead the 'Roos, recording a double-double with 12 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. The senior forward was also a force defensively, registering five blocked shots and three steals. Kidus Getenet and Tasshir Pina-Warren tied for the team lead in scoring with 13 points apiece, and Jamien June rounded out the double-figure scorers for Austin College with 10 points while adding three rebounds and four assists.

Austin College controlled the glass, outrebounding Millsaps 48-40, including a massive 22-11 edge in offensive rebounds. However, the 'Roos struggled to convert those extra possessions into points, shooting just 32.4% from the field and 16.7% from three-point range. Austin College knocked down five of its first six long range attempts, but went cold after that. Cameron Lumar led Millsaps with a game-high 16 points, hitting 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Jaxon Toney added 11 points, five rebounds, and four blocks for the Majors, while Rodney Phillips Jr. contributed 10 points off the bench. 

Austin College will look to bounce back in their last game before Christmas, hosting Southwestern University on Saturday evening at 5:30 p.m. in Hughey Gym.