Leading by one with just under three minutes to play, the Centre College men's basketball team out-scored Franklin College 15-10 the rest of the way to hold on for the 78-72 victory Monday, Nov. 19 in Danville, Ky.

The win evens the Colonels record at 1-1, while the Grizzlies drop their season-opener to fall to 0-1.

Centre led for much of the first half, but never led by more than five points. The game was tied four times and there were five lead changes, but the Colonels went into the locker room with a 32-31 advantage.

Centre got 10 bench points in the first half and out-scored Franklin 24-10 in the paint.

Bailey Howard hit a jumper to open the second half and give the Grizzlies a 33-32 lead, but that was the last lead they would see.

Franklin tied the game at 57-57 at the 5:10 mark, but the Colonels scored six of the next seven points to take a five-point lead with 3:21 left.

The Grizzlies scored the next four points to get within 63-62, but a three-pointer and four free throws gave Centre an eight-point lead (70-62) with only 43 seconds on the clock. 

The Colonels made all eight of their free throw attempts down the stretch and held on for the six point victory in their first home game of the season.

After shooting 60.9% in the first half, Centre shot even better at 65.0% in the second half to finish at 62.8% (27-43). 

Sophomore forward Josh Karsner (Frankfort, Ky.) posted another strong outing. Karsner finished with 16 points and six rebounds. Freshman Blake Scinta (Louisville, Ky.) had 14 points, five rebounds, four blocks and two steals off the bench. Freshman Tyler Wesley (Crestwood, Ky.) added 12 points four rebounds and three blocks, while junior Collin Lopez (Louisville, Ky.) chipped in 10 points off the bench.

Gunner Erwin led all scorers with 20 points and seven rebounds to pace Franklin. Howards scored 16 points and J.T. Barton added 11.

Centre will next host Asbury University Wednesday, Nov. 21. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. in Alumni Gymnasium.