LC

Wildcats rally back to defeat Centenary in battle of in-state foes

LaMar Gafford
The Town Talk
Louisiana College's Kae'ron Baker (5) goes to the lane against Centenary Tuesday.

PINEVILLE — Trailing by 11 with 10:52 left, Louisiana College did what any team would its situation: The Wildcats continued to fight.

LC defeated in-state rival Centenary, 71-66, Tuesday at H.O. West Fieldhouse, thanks to a 15-2 run in the final 3:45.

"I thought we were playing hard, but didn't think we were playing with purpose (in the first half)," LC coach Reni Mason said. "So we talked at halftime about having poise on the offensive lead. I thought they were giving great effort on defense, but on offense, we just didn't have any poise."

LC was led by Kae'ron Baker's 23 points, as he scored 17 of those in the second half while making 12 of his 16 free throws in the half. Denzel Austin was also on fire, adding 16 and making three 3-pointers.

Louisiana College's Denzel Austin (0) looks to drive against Centenary's Kile Mingo Tuesday.

Although the Wildcats shot 40.7% in the second half, they got back into the game by rebounding, drawing fouls and stiff defense.

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Baker drew 10 fouls alone in the second half, while LC grabbed six offensive rebounds and held a 20-14 advantage in total rebounds.

The play that turned things in the Wildcats' favor was when Trey Ames blocked a Centenary shot attempt with two minutes remaining that led to a 3-pointer by Austin.

LC returns to the hardwood Nov. 19 when it travels to Natchitoches to face Northwestern State. The Gents will host Millsaps at the Gold Dome that same night.

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Centenary's Ty Prince (14) goes for two points against Louisiana College Tuesday.