'Roos Drop Overtime Heartbreaker at Centenary

SHREVEPORT, La. - Peyton Gonzales scored 17 points and Austin College rallied from an early 15-point deficit to force overtime, but the 'Roos went scoreless over the final two minutes of the extra period in a 71-68 road loss to Centenary College on Friday night at the Gold Dome. The 'Roos are now 5-13 overall and 2-7 in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play.

Austin College appeared poised to complete the comeback victory after Ryan Dupre drained a three-pointer with 2:42 remaining in overtime, giving the 'Roos a 68-64 advantage. However, the visitors would not score again, committing two turnovers and missing their final three shots as Centenary closed the game on a 7-0 run.

Gonzales led the 'Roos offensively, shooting 7-of-10 from the floor, while Kidus Getenet added 15 points and eight rebounds. Tasshir Pina-Warren chipped in 11 points and six rebounds, and Jordan Hudgins controlled the glass with a game-high 10 rebounds while dishing out three assists.

The 'Roos struggled early, falling into a 29-14 hole midway through the first half before tightening the defensive screws. Austin College closed the half on a 19-9 run to cut the halftime deficit to 38-33. The defense continued to hold firm in the second half, limiting Centenary to just 24 points in the period.

Getenet gave Austin College a 62-60 lead with a layup with 36 seconds remaining in regulation, but Centenary's Quentin Beverly answered with two free throws to tie the game at 62-62, eventually forcing the extra session.

Despite the loss, Austin College dominated the rebounding battle, securing 47 boards compared to Centenary's 27, including 20 on the offensive glass. However, ball security proved costly, as the 'Roos turned the ball over 17 times, which the Gents converted into 14 points. Beverly led all scorers with 21 points for Centenary, doing most of his damage from the free-throw line where he finished 11-of-13. Jaden Braden added 18 points for the Gents.

Austin College had one final chance to tie at the buzzer, but a three-pointer attempt by Pina-Warren missed the mark. The 'Roos will be back in action on Saturday when they head to Longview to take on LeTourneau at 4:00 p.m.