CONWAY, Ark. - The Austin College men's basketball team led Millsaps with under a minute left in the opening half, but a 6-0 run before halftime shifted the momentum and the Majors would pull away to hand the 'Roos a 96-74 loss on Saturday in the SCAC/SAA Challenge. The 'Roos are now 1-2 on the year, and will be looking to even up their record against Hendrix on Sunday.
Kameron Hill's three pointer put Austin College on top 40-39 with 52 seconds left before halftime, but Millsaps would score six in a row in the final moments to lead 45-40 at the break. The run continued into the second half, and the Majors would go on top 52-42 early. The 'Roos would battle back to within six points, but that's as close as things would get the rest of the way. The lead grew to 73-52 just over midway through the second, and the Majors would lead by as many as 26 points down the stretch.
The 'Roos shot better than Millsaps both on field goals and three pointers, but the Majors dominated on the glass, out-rebounding Austin College 51-34, including 18 offensive rebounds. Millsaps also out-scored the 'Roos 26-13 from the free throw line and held a 24-4 edge in second chance points, and that proved to be the difference.
Justice Mercadel and Derek Lockman each scored 12 points to pace the 'Roos, with Lockman knocking down 4-of-7 threes on his way to a career best scoring performance. Mercadel added seven rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks. Kam Hogan added 11 points, and Devin Roland chipped in 10 in the loss.