DANVILLE, Ky. – Senior
Dawson Crump and freshman
Noah Ring combined for 51 points as Centre defeated Berry, 72-68, inside Alumni Gymnasium.
Crump dropped 32 and Ring finished with 19 – both career highs – helping the Colonels (3-2) become the first team to defeat the Vikings (6-1).
Berry entered with a 25-point average margin of victory in its six previous games and hadn't allowed more than 56 to any opponent.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Despite not playing since Jan. 24, Centre took no time to heat up Friday evening. Crump scored 11 early points as the Colonels raced out to an early 19-5 advantage.
- On the other end of the court, Centre kept Berry without a point for nearly seven minutes.
- A resurgence from Berry's Austin Brooks helped the visitors pull within 33-26 at the half.
- The Vikings would continue chipping away at the deficit in the second half, and at the 8:38 mark took their first lead of the game, 50-49, following a bucket from Chase Ellis.
- Centre called on Crump and Ring to help shift momentum. The senior hit a 3-pointer that tied the game at 52 apiece, and the rookie drained two more to quickly make it 58-52.
- With under three minutes remaining,
Dustin Gerald sank a 3-pointer that gave Centre a 67-61 advantage.
- Berry made it interesting down the stretch, pulling within one point with 19 seconds left. After a Ring free throw, Centre forced a turnover and
Jalen Williams iced the game with two freebies.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Crump's career best 32 points came on a 13-for-19 shooting effort, including three 3-pointers. He also led the Colonels with seven rebounds, adding two assists and two steals.
- Ring's effort off the bench was vital to the Colonels' victory. In 31 minutes, he went 7 of 11 (4 of 5 from deep) for 19 points, also totaling six rebounds.
- Playing in his first game since the 2018-19 season due to injury, Gerald was a welcome sight in the starting lineup. He finished with nine points, four rebounds, two blocks, a steal and an assist.
- As a team, Centre shot 51% (28-55) overall and 63% (10-16) from 3-point range.
- The Colonels held the Vikings to season-lows at 40% (26-65) overall and 27% (7-26) from long distance.
UP NEXT
Centre and Berry run it back Saturday at 1 p.m. in the final home game of the season for the Colonels.
