ATLANTA – Centre men's basketball nearly completed a big second half comeback Sunday, but fell just short in a 76-69 loss at Oglethorpe in Atlanta.

After trailing by as many as 23 points in the second period, Centre trimmed the deficit to just six points in the final minute. The host Stormy Petrels (11-5) held on for the victory, however, improving to 5-0 in the Southern Athletic Association (SAA).

The Colonels' four-game win streak was snapped with the defeat, falling to 8-7 (3-2 SAA).

Centre struggled offensively during the first period, shooting just 8 of 31 overall – including a 4 of 20 mark from 3-point land.

Oglethorpe parlayed that into a 34-23 lead at the half.

The Stormy Petrels shot out of the gates in the second period, using a 14-2 run to grab their biggest lead of the day, 48-25.

But Centre proved resilient, slowly clawing its way back into the game. Following a pair of free throws from sophomore Perry Ayers (Bowling Green, Ky.), the Colonels had made it a two-possession game with 30 seconds left.

Oglethorpe shut down Centre over the game's waning moments, though, eventually securing the victory to stay perfect in-conference.

Sophomore Art Walker (Mt. Sterling, Ky.) paced Centre with 19 points, going 5 of 11 from 3-point range while adding six rebounds.

Classmate Jacob Bates (LaGrange, Ky.) turned in his third double-double, totaling 15 points and 11 boards.

Centre racked up 16 assists to just six turnovers, but shot just 35 percent (22 of 63) as a team and 31 percent (11 of 36) from distance.

The Colonels continue their road stretch next week, traveling to face Hendrix Friday, Jan. 19, at 9 p.m. ET.