MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Senior Tucker Sine joined the 1,000-point club as Centre defeated Blackburn, 86-72, in its final game of the Rhodes Holiday Classic.
 
Sine entered the game with 980 career points, and scored the magic number 20 with only four seconds left after Blackburn put him on the free throw line. He becomes the 31st member of the program's 1K club, and first since Blake Scinta '16. 
 
Bouncing back from the season's first defeat at the hands of third-ranked Augustana, the Colonels (9-1) were much improved on the offensive end, shooting nearly 57% as a team against the Beavers (4-6).
 
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Colonels' offensive turnaround was not evident early on, as both sides took time to find any offensive rhythm. A pair of Sine 3-pointers were the only Centre points in the opening minutes.
- With the game tied at 19-19, however, the Colonels reeled off an 18-3 run that was sparked by 3-pointers from Sine, Art Walker and Perry Ayers.
- That was part of a larger 27-10 finish to the first half, as Centre led 46-29 at the break.
- Sine's 11 points led the Colonels individually, but Centre was 7 of 14 from deep as a team in the opening half while limiting Blackburn to just 33% from the floor.
- The Beavers fared much better in the second half, and warmed up considerably from long range. They also employed a zone defense that seemed to slow down Centre's attack for a spell.
- After leading by as many as 23 points, the Colonels saw their advantage dwindle to just 11 at 81-70.
- The cushion from the opening half was too great, though, and Centre would ultimately coast to the finish line.
- Up 85-70 with only four seconds left, Blackburn fouled Sine to put the guard on the free throw line, where he sank point No. 1,000.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Sine's 20 points led the Colonels, who had five individuals in double figures. Ayers and Bailey Rakes totaled 12 each, while Jacob Bates and Dustin Gerald each finished with 10. 
- Rakes set a career best with six assists, as Centre assisted on 21 of 31 baskets.
- Ayers led the team with nine rebounds, adding three assists.
- Centre had a massive 40-18 advantage in points in the paint, and turned 10 offensive rebounds into 19 second chance points.
 
UP NEXT
Centre is off for nine days until it travels to Lexington, Va., for the Washington & Lee Tournament. The Colonels face W&L in the opening game Dec. 28 at 1 p.m. ET.