LONGVIEW, Texas -- Connor Miller hit a late three and the defense held on to eke out a 63-62 win over SCAC rival Centenary at Solheim Arena on R.G. Night.

MIller's 19 points set a new career high for the senior, and his five 3-pointers tied his career-best mark. Jackson Mayes also added 19 and six rebounds.

The first half seemed to be trending the Gents' (0-6, 0-1 SCAC) direction initially, as the YellowJackets (4-1, 1-0 SCAC) struggled to generate any consistent offense. With 10:45 remaining in the half, Centenary had amassed a nine point advantage.

However, the Jackets climbed back into it, going on an 11-0 run to take a two point lead, with Miller hitting one of his five threes to conclude the burst.

The rest of the half was back-and-forth, but the Gents assuming a late seven-point lead, only to see LeTourneau come right back with a 5-0 run to make it a two-point game at half.

Centenary once again found a way to push their lead up to eight with 15:06 to go, but as before, the YellowJackets clawed their way back again, taking a slim lead with 11:02 to go. 

The defenses then got to work, making every possession difficult. Despite this, the Gents found a way to lead by five with 4:15 remaining.

Then it was Miller time.

With 2:24 to go, he hit his fourth three pointer to tie it at 60. Following a Craig Collier bucket for Centenary, Miller got one more chance, converting a corner triple with 26 seconds remaining, and then Teigan Edwards thwarted Quentin Beverly's last-second chances to preserve the win.

The Gents were led in scoring by Nicholas Addison (15), while Bryce Evans grabbed 10 boards.

UP NEXT

The YellowJackets hit the road for Abilene to challenge Hardin-Simmons on Saturday at 3 p.m.

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