SEWANEE, Tenn. (Jan. 4, 2015) – For the first time in the Bubba Smith era, the Sewanee men's basketball team earned a nationally-ranked win, Sunday. The Tigers opened Southern Athletic Association (SAA) play with a 53-51 victory over No. 13 Centre inside Juhan Gymnasium.
The victory was one of the highest ranked wins in program history. Additionally, Sunday was the first time Sewanee has defeated the Colonels since January 7, 2012. In fact, it is only the second win against Centre since 2005.
Early on, Centre played well. The Colonels used their three biggest players to open the game on a 7-3 run. Eventually, Centre would lead by 10, 20-10, after Mike Geegan made a three midway through the first half.
From there, Sewanee would settle it. A three by sophomoreJorden Williams, and a layup by Keshonn Carter, sparked a quick 7-0 run over the next minute and a half.
Over the final six minutes of the half, Sewanee held Centre to only two field goals.
Eventually, Centre stretched its lead to seven early in the second half. Sewanee then chipped away at its deficit. A layup by Carter opened a 12-1 run by the Tigers.
Sewanee took its first lead in the second half, when Seth Brown made a layup with 11:29 to play.
The score remained tight until 5:19 left. After a Centre free throw, Marcellus Caldwell made a three to push Sewanee ahead by five, 39-34. On the Tigers' next possession, Caldwell again hit a three which extended Sewanee's lead to six.
After a Brown layup with 1:36 to go, the Tigers took their largest lead of the game. However, Centre did not go quietly. A three by Gump, and a four-point play by Josh Karsner, pulled Centre to within two, 50-48, with 28 seconds remaining.
Down the stretch, Jacob McCullough made two free throws for the Tigers with 24 seconds. However, Centre answered back with an off-balanced three by Gump.
After a Williams free throw, Centre tried a last-second three by Geegan which fell short.
Overall, Sewanee made 43.2 percent of its attempts. That included a season-high 40 percent of the Tigers' three-point shots. Despite being outsized, Sewanee also managed to outrebound Centre 35-25.
Individually, Williams led all players with 14 points. Caldwell also finished with a season-high 12 points while Carter added 10. Brown also played well with eight points and seven rebounds.
Scinta led four Centre players in double figures with 13 points.
Sewanee, winners of four out of their last five games, will look to avenge an early season lost Tuesday at Piedmont. The Tigers and Lions are scheduled to tipoff at 7:00 p.m. (EST) in Demorest, Ga.
For more information on Sewanee Athletics, please visit www.SewaneeTigers.com. You can also check the Tigers out on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Flickr.