ATLANTA – For the first time in 310 days, a Centre athletics team suited up to take on outside competition.
 
The men's basketball squad became the first Colonels to compete since March 11, 2020, beginning the modified 2021 slate where the 2020 campaign ended – in Atlanta.
 
Centre, which lost nearly 80% of last season's scoring to graduation and was without senior Dawson Crump, fell by an 83-53 margin to the Stormy Petrels. RJ Smith led the Colonels with 14 points in the loss.
 
HIGHLIGHTS
- Jalen Williams opened the scoring with a 3-pointer on Centre's first possession, but Oglethorpe responded and held a 21-13 advantage midway through the half.
- The Colonels went just 1 of 10 from 3-point range while committing 11 turnovers after Williams' opening triple.
- Using a 12-2 run late in the period, the Petrels carried a 38-24 lead into the halftime break.
- It was much of the same in the second half, although Smith found his rhythm offensively and scored 10 of his 14.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Several newcomers had a chance to hit the court for their collegiate debuts, including Noah Ring, Marshall Taylor, Chez Moore, Blake Stewart, Chandler Steele, Gage Wells, Andy Blair and Seth Thomas.
- The young Colonels committed 23 turnovers overall, leading to 21 points for the Petrels.
- Centre out-rebounded Oglethorpe, 41-30, led by Pete Knochelmann's career-high nine boards. Ring added eight, while Smith had six and Drew Wilson totaled five.
- The Petrels shot over 49% (34-69) from the floor, connecting on 11 threes. Centre was 19 of 52 overall (37%) but hit just 3 of 19 from long range (16%).
 
UP NEXT
Centre has a rematch against Oglethorpe tomorrow (Saturday) at 1 p.m. ET.