After a slow-start, a second half surge would propel the Celts past Centenary College, 67-58
To open the game, the Celts couldn't take the lid off the hoop, struggling to get things going offensively. The Gents took advantage of UST's shooting woes and were able to jump out to an eleven-point lead after the first eight minutes of the contest. A 9-0 run capped off by a Cameron Gims three-pointer would allow the Celts to settle down and cut the deficit to five points. After trading blows for the last 10 minutes of the half, Centenary would inch ahead and finish with a 36-27 advantage. Cameron Gims would lead the Celts with eight points and three boards while Juan Hood would chip in six of his own.
Despite shooting 26.5% from the field in the first half, the Celts came out fired up, deciding to lock in on the defensive end. Both the Gents and the Celts traded buckets for the first five minutes of the half. However, for the next 12 minutes of the game, UST would claw their way back to within striking distance. It wasn't until a Juan Hood free throw with 7:25 remaining that the Celts would take their first lead. As the momentum shifted, UST never surrendered this lead again for the remainder of the contest. Timely buckets from Zack Golaszewski and Juan Hood would allow them to stretch their advantage to nine with less than 2:30 left to play. With a birth to the SCAC Championship in their sights, Christian Alaekwe would knock down four straight free throws to close the door on Centenary.
The Celts would outscore the Gents 40-22 in the half to complete the second half comeback. Juan Hood would post a game-high 20 points to lead the Celts. He also recorded a game-high four steals. Christian Alaekwe had 19 points and five boards. He would fill up the stat sheet with a pair of blocks and steals to compliment his three assists. The SCAC Defensive Player of the Year, Cameron Gims would fluster the Gents posting five steals and nine rebounds.
The Celts will face the winner of Trinity and Austin College in the SCAC Championship game next week.
