NATCHITOCHES, La. – The Gents kept the deficit to single digits for most of the first half, but the Demons pulled way with a late first half run and picked up the win as Centenary fell to Northwestern State (1-0) 102-62 Tuesday night, November 6.
While it was an exhibition for the Gents, it was the season opener for Northwestern State.
With the Gents trailing 12-5 three minutes into the contest, senior Kaharri Carter made a pair from the line and grabbed a defensive rebound. Classmate Treylan Matthews nailed a three to bring Centenary within two in a blink of an eye.
Later with Centenary down 33-21, freshman Ty Prince grabbed an offensive board and made the putback. After a stop, Carter cleaned up a missed shot and made a layup while being fouled. He made the free throw to bring Centenary back within 33-26 with 7:44 left in the first half.
Prince led Centenary with 15 points and seven boards. Carter chipped in nine points and six boards.
With Centenary down by 16 at half, Prince came out of the locker room and hit a three. However, Northwestern State responded with eight straight. John Norvel hit a three and LaTerrance Reed made a steal and found Ishmael Lane for the dunk. Dorian Dix made a pair of free throws to push the lead to 21, but Matthews stopped the run with a layup. A Norvel layup and a fastbreak three by Vonte Ott extended the lead to more than 20 for the Demons the rest of the way.
Five players reached double digit scoring for Northwestern State, led by Lane and Reed's 15 points. Ott came off the bench for 14 points and eight boards.
Centenary opens the 2018-19 season at home Saturday for Military Appreciation Day and Homecoming. Tip-off to the season is scheduled for 3 p.m.