Tied at 88-88 in overtime, the Centre College men's basketball team scored four of the final seven points to finish with a 92-91 win over John Carroll University Friday, Nov. 18 in the Mount St. Joseph Tip-off Tournament in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Blue Streaks built a 10-point lead (18-8) at the 13:10 mark in the first half, but the Colonels used a 18-2 run to take a 26-20 lead with 8:31 to play in the opening period.

John Carroll (0-1) answered with a 12-2 run to go back in front and would eventually take a 39-36 lead into halftime.

The Blue Streaks scored the first seven points of the second half for its second 10-point lead of the game, but once again Centre fought back.

With 11:48 to play, junior guard Bryon Ellis (Russell Springs, Ky.) hit a three to give the Colonels a 54-53 lead.

The lead changed hands three more times in regulation. With 1:56 left Joe Meyer hit a three to give John Carroll a two-point lead (74-72). The Blue Streaks held that lead until the final two seconds of the game when senior Greg Ross (Cincinnati, Ohio) hit a lay up to tie the game and force overtime.

John Carroll led in overtime, until senior Jeff Mullaney (Louisville, Ky.) tied it at 88 apiece with a pair of free throws. Mullaney then hit a jumper and Ellis knocked down two free throws for a 92-88 lead. Corey Shontz made a three with one second left, but it would not be enough.

After shooting only 29.0% (9-31) in the first half, the Colonels made 12 of 23 (52.2%) in the second half and 4 of 5 (80.0%) in overtime to finish the game at 42.4% (25-59). John Carroll, on the other hand, shot 50.0% (14-28) in the opening period, but only 13 of 39 (33.3%) in the second half, and 5 of 11 (45.5%) in the extra frame and ended at 41.0% (32-78).

Four players finished in double figures for Centre led by Ross and Ellis, who finished with 25 points apiece. Mullaney scored 23 and freshman Josh Karsner (Frankfort, Ky.) added 11 points and 11 rebounds for his first collegiate double-double.

Michael Hartnett led five players in double figures for John Carroll with 18 points. Meyer scored 17 points. Shontz and Mark Hester added 14 points and seven rebounds, while Patrick Sweeney finished with 11 points and seven rebounds off the bench.

Centre (2-0) will play the winner of the Mount St. Joseph-Miami University-Hamilton game Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. in Cincinnati, Ohio.