SHREVEPORT, La. - The Centenary men's basketball team ran its win streak to seven games with a 78-71 victory over Schreiner University on Sunday afternoon. The streak ties the longest in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference this season.
Centenary (12-8, 8-2 SCAC) placed four guys in double figures led by a career-high 20 from guard Isaiah Whitaker, who also grabbed a team-best eight rebounds. The point total surpasses his previous high of 12 points that he tied earlier this season.
The Arlington, Texas wasn't the only guard in double digits in the effort as Brandon Campbell chimed in 18 points with 13 coming from Travion Kirkendoll. The outing marks the fourth time this season and first since Jan. 2 against Colorado College that at least three guards scored in double figures.
"We talked with the team about Caden (Chermaie) being out, what guys would step up. Who will step up and take the load," head coach Adam Walsh said. "With four guys in the double figures tonight, it was a team effort. It was a huge game from Isaiah, who hasn't played much. Brandon, Travion and Isaiah - three guards stepping up - that really takes the pressure off of James and Kendall."
James Sapp rounded out the group with 18 points and added seven boards.
The Maroon and White led by as many as 16 points early in the second half, but had to hold off a late charge from the Mountaineers en route to the seven-point victory and stay atop the conference standings with two weekends remaining in conference play, including a trip to the University of Dallas on Friday, Feb. 6 - the host site of the SCAC Championships. UD won seven straight in non-conference play which ties the present Centenary streak.
"The win streak is nice. We talk about it, but we aren't focused on it. We are still taking it one game at a time." Walsh said. "We've been here before having won seven straight twice in the last three seasons. We know we've got a tough one on Friday at Dallas, which hosts the conference tournament. We just want to keep building momentum and on the streak."
Centenary finished the night shooting 43.5 percent from the field including a 38.9 clip from behind the arc. The Gents connected on 31 of 43 from the charity stripe including going 10-for-11 in the first 20 minutes.
Dustin Bercutt led SU with 19 points off the bench. Jared Thompson added 13 points as Stevan Guerrero posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Tip-off on Friday at UD is slated for 8 p.m.
