GEORGETOWN, Texas – The Southwestern University Pirates outrebounded the Centenary Gents but were still outscored 18-7 in second-chance points, giving up a costly offensive rebound in an 82-79 loss at home.
Southwestern led 78-75 in the closing minute of the game when Kyle Howard rebounded his own miss, turning the shot clock off with 28 seconds remaining and forcing Centenary to foul Brandon Alexander.
Alexander made 1-of-2 to make it a two-possession game; at least, theoretically.
After a timeout, Centenary guard Ralph Johnson sprinted the length of the court in five seconds for a layup and foul. After missing the free throw, Centenary forward Neil Hawkins grabbed the offensive rebound.
The Gents ensuing possession generated a missed 3-pointer and a Johnson offensive rebound and layup with a foul for a three-point play; taking an 80-79 lead.
Preston Hannah shook free for an open elbow jumper off his own dribble but missed. Johnson secured another rebound and pair of free throws to seal the game.
Joel Martinez led the Pirates with 20 points, hitting 6-for-9 from the floor, including 3-for-4 from long range to lead a reserve unit that outscored Centenary's bench 41-11. Reserve guard Josh Jones scored 10 points in four first-half minutes, hitting all three of his 3-pointers and 1-for-2 from the free-throw line to give Southwestern a 37-34 lead at the break.
Brandon Alexander had 11 points on 4-for-8 shooting with five rebounds as the final Pirate in double figures.
Centenary's Cedric Harris led all scorers with 22 points, eight rebounds, and three assists; doing most of his work off his own bounce, hitting 9-for-20 but just 2-for-10 from deep. Hawkins was a strong presence inside, using his shoulder as a battering ram and jump stopping his way through defenders for 14 points and 12 rebounds, grabbing five offensive boards. Johnson had 17 points, five assists, and three rebounds.
The Pirates hit at a higher clip (50 percent to 41.8 percent) and had two more 3-pointers (12-10) but committed 13 turnovers, giving up 17 points, and surrendered 13 more shot attempts.
With the loss, the Pirates drop to 9-11 on the season, including 5-8 in the conference. Southwestern will host St. Thomas tomorrow at 4:00 p.m.
