Men's Basketball Falls at Centenary

SHREVEPORT, La. - The Austin College men's basketball team dropped an 81-73 road game at Centenary College on Tuesday evening in a midweek Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference game, bringing the 'Roos to 6-7 overall and 1-3 in conference play.

The 'Roos found themselves trailing 38-29 at halftime as Centenary closed the half with an 8-0 run, and the Gents pushed the lead to 15 early in the second half before Austin College began chipping away at the margin. Jackson Rennie's three pointer cut it to a 55-49 game with 8:15 to play, but Centenary went back on top by double figures at 62-51 just over two minutes later. The 'Roos closed the gap to five twice more down the stretch but couldn't come all the way back in the eight point defeat. Austin College shot 45.6% from the field compared to 42.9% for Centenary, and hit 9-of-24 threes as a team while the Gents made 7-of-27 from long range.

However, free throws proved to be the difference in the scoring margin, as the Gents knocked down 20 free throws on 26 attempts, while the 'Roos were 12-of-17 from the stripe. Centenary also used a 15-5 edge in second chance points and committed three fewer turnovers than Austin College in the game. Jamien June led four 'Roos in double figures with 22 points and Kidus Getenet came off the bench to pump in 18, adding seven rebounds and three assists. Rennie finished with 12 points and Ethan Pearce scored 10 to go along with six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocked shots. Craig Collier led all scorers with 27 points for the Gents.

Austin College will be looking to bounce back at home this weekend as they host Schreiner on Friday at 8:00 p.m. and Trinity on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. in Hughey Gym.