LEXINGTON, Ky. — Centre College used a last second lay-up from Jacob Bates to knock off in-state rival, Transylvania on the Pioneers home court, 58-57.
The Colonels built a double-digit lead behind the play of several Colonels but Perry Ayers led the way with 17. However, Transy came roaring back behind Lucas Gentry, who came off the bench to score 18 points including four, 3 pointers. A Gentry three gave the Pioneers the 43-42 lead.
Centre got the final opportunity in the game with Bates taking the pass at half court and then he turned and went straight to the basket for the winning bucket. It was his second in as many games. Bates hit a buzzer-beater in the Colonels' last game against nationally-ranked Wabash College this past Thursday.
Both teams are now 3-1 and will play again when Centre hosts Transy on December 30. The first time they've played multiple times in a season since the 1995-'96 season.
The Pioneers will return to action on Wednesday, December 4 with their Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference home opener against the Earlham College Quakers at the Beck Center for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.
Centre hosts Covenant this Saturday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m. inside Alumni Gymnasium in the Colonels' home opener.
