DANVILLE, Ky. – The latest chapter in the Centre vs. Transylvania basketball rivalry proved to be as thrilling and closely contested as any other, with the Colonels escaping Alumni Gymnasium victorious after a 71-63 decision.
In front of a packed home crowd, the Colonels (2-0) excelled in the second half, shooting above 55 percent as a team in the final 20 minutes to help put away the Pioneers (1-2).
Centre avenged a narrow loss in Lexington last season, and has now won six of the last seven meetings against Transy.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Both sides struggled to find an offensive rhythm to start the game, but eventually the Colonels created separation on the scoreboard.
- Centre's first double-digit lead came when
Jacob Bates converted a layup on
Dustin Gerald's assist with 4:30 remaining in the half, making it 25-14.
- The visiting Pioneers would close the period on a 12-2 run, however, tying the game at 27-27 heading into the break.
- Transy took a brief two-point lead early in the second half, but a couple of
Art Walker 3-pointers and multiple baskets from
KC Purvis helped Centre regain control.
- Centre eventually pushed the advantage back to double figures, as
Bailey Rakes converted a traditional 3-point play to make it 54-43 with 6:29 on the clock.
- Punctuated by emphatic dunks from Bates, the Colonels would hang on down the stretch to seal the win.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Five individuals finished with double digits for Centre, including Bates (14 points), Walker (11), Gerald (11), Purvis (10) and
Perry Ayers (10).
- All of Purvis' 10 points and five rebounds came in the second half.
- Ayers dished a game-high six assists, with the rookie Gerald adding five. Centre recorded 11 of its 17 assists in the second half.
- The Colonels had 34 points in the paint and 18 points off of Transy's turnovers.
UP NEXT
Centre hits the road following Thanksgiving, competing in the Kalamazoo Tournament in Michigan Nov. 23-24. The Colonels first meet Cincinnati Christian Friday at 7 p.m. ET.
