Second Half Surge Pushes Centenary Past 'Roos

SHERMAN, Texas — Austin College took a 32-30 lead into halftime against visiting Centenary College, but an 11-0 run to open the second frame put the Gents on top and Austin College couldn't close the gap in a 68-63 defeat on Friday evening in Hughey Gym. The 'Roos are now 3-11 overall and 0-5 in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play.

Jamien June led Austin College with 18 points and six assists, while Jordan Hudgins posted a double-double with 11 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. Kidus Getenet added nine points and seven boards for the 'Roos.

Austin College took its two-point lead into the locker room after a tightly contested first half that saw two ties and four lead changes. However, Centenary seized momentum immediately after the break. Kane Broussard drained a three-pointer just 28 seconds into the second half to give the Gents a 33-32 advantage, a lead they would not relinquish. The Gents extended their advantage midway through the second period with a decisive run. A pair of free throws by Me'Khai Taylor at the 10:20 mark capped a surge that gave Centenary its largest lead of the game at 55-41.

Despite trailing by 14, the 'Roos chipped away at the deficit down the stretch. Ryan Dupre hit a triple with four minutes remaining to cut the gap to 57-51. After Centenary pushed the lead back to 10, June connected from beyond the arc with 47 seconds left to bring Austin College within 63-58.

The Gents sealed the game at the free-throw line, where they held a significant advantage. Centenary finished 18-of-25 from the stripe, compared to just 3-of-7 for Austin College. Jaden Braden and Quentin Beverly hit key free throws in the final minute to secure the win. Braden finished with 19 points to lead the Gents, and Broussard chipped in 17. Bryce Evans recorded six blocked shots to go with seven points and eight rebounds. Kidus Getenet added nine points and seven rebounds for Austin College.